Abstract: The article proposed intends to analyze the possibility
(and conditions) of a media regulation law in a democratic rule of law
in the twenty-first century. To do so, will be presented initially the
idea of the public sphere (by Jürgen Habermas), showing how it is
presented as an interface between the citizen and the state (or the
private and public) and how important is it in a deliberative
democracy. Based on this paradigm, the traditional perception of the
role of public information (such as system functional element) and on
the possibility of media regulation will be exposed, due to the public
nature of their activity. A critical argument will then be displayed
from two different perspectives: a) the formal function of the current
media information, considering that the digital age has fragmented
the information access; b) the concept of a constructive democracy,
which reduces the need for representation, changing the strategic
importance of the public sphere. The question to be addressed (based
on the comparative law) is if the regulation is justified in a
polycentric democracy, especially when it operates under the digital
age (with immediate and virtual communication). The proposal is to
be presented in the sense that even in a twenty-first century the media
in a democratic rule of law still has an extremely important role and
may be subject to regulation, but this should be on terms very
different (and narrower) from those usually defended.
Abstract: An important problem for the CaSO4/CaSO4・1/2H2O
Chemical heat pump (CHP) is that the material is deactivated through
repetitive reaction between hydration and dehydration in which the
crystal phase of the material is transformed from III-CaSO4 to
II-CaSO4. We investigated suppression on the phase change by adding
a sulfated compound. The most effective material was MgSO4. MgSO4
doping increased the durability of CaSO4 in the actual CHP repetitive
cycle of hydration/dehydration to 3.6 times that of undoped CaSO4.
The MgSO4-doped CaSO4 showed a higher phase transition
temperature and activation energy for crystal transformation from
III-CaSO4 to II-CaSO4. MgSO4 doping decreased the crystal lattice
size of CaSO4・1/2H2O and II-CaSO4 to smaller than that of undoped
CaSO4. Modification of the crystal structure is considered to be related
to the durability change in CaSO4 resulting from MgSO4 doping.
Abstract: Super steel materials play a vital role in the
construction and fabrication of structural, piping and pipeline
components. In assuring the integrity of onshore and offshore
operating systems, they enable life cycle costs to be minimized. In
this context, Duplex stainless steel (DSS) material related welding on
constructions and fabrications plays a significant role in maintaining
and assuring integrity at an optimal expenditure over the life cycle of
production and process systems as well as associated structures. In
DSS welding, factors such as gap geometry, shielding gas supply
rate, welding current, and type of the welding process are vital to the
final joint performance. Hence, an experimental investigation has
been performed using an engineering robust design approach
(ERDA) to investigate the optimal settings that generate optimal
super DSS (i.e. UNS S32750) joint performance. This manuscript
illustrates the mathematical approach and experimental design,
optimal parameter settings and results of the verification experiment.
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: Removal of the widespread used drug paracetamol
from water was investigated using activated carbon originated from
dende coconut mesocarp and babassu coconut mesocarp. Kinetic and
equilibrium data were obtained at different values of pH. Both
activated carbons showed high efficiency when pH ≤ pHPZC as the
carbonil group of paracetamol molecule are adsorbed due to
positively charged carbon surface. Microporosity also played an
important role in such process. Pseudo-second order model was better
adjusted to the kinetic results. Equilibrium data may be represented
by Langmuir equation.
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: 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.
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to estimate the US small
wind turbines market potential and forecast the small wind turbines
sales in the US. The forecasting method is based on the application of
the Bass model and the generalized Bass model of innovations
diffusion under replacement purchases. In the work an exponential
distribution is used for modeling of replacement purchases. Only one
parameter of such distribution is determined by average lifetime of
small wind turbines. The identification of the model parameters is
based on nonlinear regression analysis on the basis of the annual
sales statistics which has been published by the American Wind
Energy Association (AWEA) since 2001 up to 2012. The estimation
of the US average market potential of small wind turbines (for
adoption purchases) without account of price changes is 57080
(confidence interval from 49294 to 64866 at P = 0.95) under average
lifetime of wind turbines 15 years, and 62402 (confidence interval
from 54154 to 70648 at P = 0.95) under average lifetime of wind
turbines 20 years. In the first case the explained variance is 90,7%,
while in the second - 91,8%. The effect of the wind turbines price
changes on their sales was estimated using generalized Bass model.
This required a price forecast. To do this, the polynomial regression
function, which is based on the Berkeley Lab statistics, was used. The
estimation of the US average market potential of small wind turbines
(for adoption purchases) in that case is 42542 (confidence interval
from 32863 to 52221 at P = 0.95) under average lifetime of wind
turbines 15 years, and 47426 (confidence interval from 36092 to
58760 at P = 0.95) under average lifetime of wind turbines 20 years.
In the first case the explained variance is 95,3%, while in the second
– 95,3%.
Abstract: Sol-enhanced Zn-Ni-Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings
were electroplated on mild steel by our newly developed solenhanced
electroplating method. In this method, transparent Al2O3 sol
was added into the acidic Zn-Ni bath to produced Zn-Ni-Al2O3nanocomposite
coatings. The chemical composition, microstructure and
mechanical properties of the composite and alloy coatings deposited
at two different agitation speed were investigated. The structure of all
coatings was single γ-Ni5Zn21 phase. The composite coatings possess
refined crystals with higher microhardness compared to Zn-Ni alloy
coatings. The wear resistance of Zn-Ni coatings was improved
significantly by incorporation of alumina nano particles into the
coatings. Higher agitation speed provided more uniform coatings
with smaller grain sized and slightly higher microhardness.
Considering composite coatings, high agitation speeds may facilitate
co-deposition of alumina in the coatings.
Abstract: Extracting and determining chlorophyll pigments
(chlorophyll a and b) in green leaves are the procedures based on the
solvent extraction of pigments in samples using N,Ndimethylformamide
as the extractant. In this study, two species of
soluble inorganic selenium forms, selenite (SeIV) and selenate (SeVI)
at different concentrations were investigated on maize plants that
were growing in nutrient solutions during 2 weeks and at the end of
the experiment, amounts of chlorophyll a and b for first and second
leaves of maize were measured. In accordance with the results we
observed that our regarded Se concentrations in both forms of SeIV
and SeVI were not effective on maize plants’ chlorophyll a and b
significantly although high level of 3 mg.kg-1 SeIV had negative affect
on growth of the samples that had been treated by it but about SeVI
samples we did not observe this state and our different considered
SeVI concentrations were not toxic for maize plants.
Abstract: Transportation of long turbine blades from one place
to another is a difficult process. Hence a feasibility study of
modularization of wind turbine blade was taken from structural
standpoint through finite element analysis. Initially, a non-segmented
blade is modeled and its structural behavior is evaluated to serve as
reference. The resonant, static bending and fatigue tests are simulated
in accordance with IEC61400-23 standard for comparison purpose.
The non-segmented test blade is separated at suitable location based
on trade off studies and the segments are joined with an innovative
double strap bonded joint configuration. The adhesive joint is
modeled by adopting cohesive zone modeling approach in ANSYS.
The developed blade model is analyzed for its structural response
through simulation. Performances of both the blades are found to be
similar, which indicates that, efficient segmentation of the long blade
is possible which facilitates easy transportation of the blades and on
site reassembling. The location selected for segmentation and
adopted joint configuration has resulted in an efficient segmented
blade model which proves the methodology adopted for segmentation
was quite effective. The developed segmented blade appears to be the
viable alternative considering its structural response specifically in
fatigue within considered assumptions.
Abstract: This paper presents a numerical investigation of two
horizontally mounted four-lobed swirl pipes in terms of swirl
induction effectiveness into flows passing through them. The swirl
flows induced by the two swirl pipes have the potential to improve
the efficiency of Clean-In-Place procedures in a closed processing
system by local intensification of hydrodynamic impact on the
internal pipe surface. Pressure losses, swirl development within the
two swirl pipe, swirl induction effectiveness, swirl decay and wall
shear stress variation downstream of two swirl pipes are analyzed and
compared. It was found that a shorter length of swirl inducing pipe
used in joint with transition pipes is more effective in swirl induction
than when a longer one is used, in that it has a less constraint to the
induced swirl and results in slightly higher swirl intensity just
downstream of it with the expense of a smaller pressure loss. The
wall shear stress downstream of the shorter swirl pipe is also slightly
larger than that downstream of the longer swirl pipe due to the
slightly higher swirl intensity induced by the shorter swirl pipe. The
advantage of the shorter swirl pipe in terms of swirl induction is more
significant in flows with a larger Reynolds Number.
Abstract: In this study, firstly democratic thoughts which
directly or indirectly affect economic development and/or the
interaction between authoritarian regimes and the economic
development and the direction and channels of this interaction were
studied and then the study tried to determine how democracy affects
economic development. It was concluded that the positive
contributions of democracy to economic development were more
determinant than the effects that were either negative or restrictive in
terms of development. When compared to autocracy, since
democracy is more successful in managing social conflicts, ensuring
political stability and preventing social disasters such as famine, it
contributes more to economic development. Democracy also
facilitates delegation of authority, provides a stable investment
environment and accelerates mobilization of resources in accordance
with economic growth/development. Democracy leads to an increase
in human capital accumulation and increases the growth rate through
reducing income inequality. It can be said that democratic regimes
are the most appropriate ones in terms of increasing economic
performance and supporting economic development through their
strong institutional structures and the assurance they will ensure in
property rights.
Abstract: Background: Worldwide, at least 2.8 million people
die each year as a result of being overweight or obese, and 35.8
million (2.3%) of global DALYs are caused by overweight or
obesity. Obesity is acknowledged as one of the burning public
health problems reducing life expectancy and quality of life. The
body composition analysis of the university population is essential
in assessing the nutritional status, as well as the risk of developing
diseases associated with abnormal body fat content so as to make
nutritional recommendations. Objectives: The main aim was to
determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in University
students using Anthropometric analysis and BIA methods. Material
and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 283 university students
participated. The body composition analysis was undertaken by
using mainly: i) Anthropometric Measurement: Height, Weight,
BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and skin fold
thickness, ii) Bio-electrical impedance was used for analysis of
body fat mass, fat percent and visceral fat which was measured by
Tanita SC-330P Professional Body Composition Analyzer. The
data so collected were compiled in MS Excel and analyzed for
males and females using SPSS 16. Results and Discussion: The
mean age of the male (n= 153) studied subjects was 25.37 ±2.39
years and females (n=130) was 22.53 ±2.31. The data of BIA
revealed very high mean fat per cent of the female subjects i.e.
30.3±6.5 per cent whereas mean fat per cent of the male subjects
was 15.60±6.02 per cent indicating a normal body fat range. The
findings showed high visceral fat of both males (12.92±3.02) and
females (16.86±4.98). BMI, BF% and WHR were higher among
females, and BMI was higher among males. The most evident
correlation was verified between BF% and WHR for female
students (r=0.902; p
Abstract: This article presents two methods for the
compensation of harmonics generated by a nonlinear load. The first is
the classic method P-Q. The second is the controller by modern
method of artificial intelligence specifically fuzzy logic. Both
methods are applied to a shunt Active Power Filter (sAPF) based on a
three-phase voltage converter at five levels NPC topology. In
calculating the harmonic currents of reference, we use the algorithm
P-Q and pulse generation, we use the intersective PWM. For
flexibility and dynamics, we use fuzzy logic. The results give us clear
that the rate of Harmonic Distortion issued by fuzzy logic is better
than P-Q.
Abstract: Family is a basic unit of the society and the main
source of human development. The initial aim of the family is
psychological and social support of its members and has special
developmental stages. Researches show the families who have less
cohesion, have more conflicts and maladjustments and the members
of such families are not able to communicate effectively. Family is a
system in which any inter communication is related to child rearing
patterns and can affect it. Even the child rearing styles in childhood
can determine the family communications in adulthood. Therefore,
the aim of the present research was to examine the relationship
between child-rearing styles including authoritative, authoritarian and
permissive with dimensions of family communication patterns
including the conversation and conformity. The research design was a
correlational and the population consisted of the psychology students
of Roudehen Islamic Azad University who were studying in
academic year 2013-2014. A sample of 324 students was selected
randomly from the population. The research tools were the Baumrind
Child-rearing Questionnaires and Family Communication
Patterns Inventory, The Revised Scale of Koerner and Fitzpatrick.
The result was as below: (a) there was a positive and significant
relationship between conversation orientation and authoritative style.
(b) There was no significant relationship between conversation
orientation and other child-rearing styles. (c) There was a negative
significant relationship between conformity orientation and
authoritative style. (d) There was a positive significant relationship
between conformity orientation with authoritarian and permissive
styles. (e) There was a significant relationship between 3 dimensions
of child-rearing and communication patterns.
Abstract: The paper presents new results concerning selection of
optimal information fusion formula for ensembles of C-OTDR
channels. The goal of information fusion is to create an integral
classificator designed for effective classification of seismoacoustic
target events. The LPBoost (LP-β and LP-B variants), the Multiple
Kernel Learning, and Weighing of Inversely as Lipschitz Constants
(WILC) approaches were compared. The WILC is a brand new
approach to optimal fusion of Lipschitz Classifiers Ensembles.
Results of practical usage are presented.
Abstract: The US Consumer Price Indices (CPIs) measures
hundreds of items in the US economy. Many social programs
and government benefits index to the CPIs. The purpose of
this project is to modernize an existing process. This paper will
show the development of a small, visual, software product that
documents the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) for longterm
contracts. The existing workbook does not provide the
flexibility to calculate EPAs where the base-month and the
option-month are different. Nor does the workbook provide
automated error checking. The small, visual, software product
provides the additional flexibility and error checking. This
paper presents the feedback to project.
Abstract: Experimental studies to investigate the depth of the
scour conducted at a side-weir intersection located at the 1800 curved
flume which located Hydraulic Laboratory of Yıldız Technical
University, Istanbul, Turkey. Side weirs were located at the middle of
the straight part of the main channel. Three different lengths (25, 40
and 50 cm) and three different weir crest height (7, 10 and 12 cm) of
the side weir placed on the side weir station. There is no scour when
the material is only kaolin. Therefore, the cohesive bed was prepared
by properly mixing clay material (kaolin) with 31% sand in all
experiments. Following 24h consolidation time, in order to observe
the effect of flow intensity on the scour depth, experiments were
carried out for five different upstream Froude numbers in the range of
0.33-0.81.
As a result of this study the relation between scour depth and
upstream flow intensity as a function of time have been established.
The longitudinal velocities decreased along the side weir; towards the
downstream due to overflow over the side-weirs. At the beginning,
the scour depth increases rapidly with time and then asymptotically
approached constant values in all experiments for all side weir
dimensions as in non-cohesive sediment. Thus, the scour depth
reached equilibrium conditions. Time to equilibrium depends on the
approach flow intensity and the dimensions of side weirs. For
different heights of the weir crest, dimensionless scour depths
increased with increasing upstream Froude number. Equilibrium
scour depths which formed 7 cm side-weir crest height were obtained
higher than that of the 12 cm side-weir crest height. This means when
side-weir crest height increased equilibrium scour depths decreased.
Although the upstream side of the scour hole is almost vertical, the
downstream side of the hole is inclined.