Abstract: This paper investigates the effectiveness of the use of
seismic isolation devices on the overall 3D seismic response of
curved highway viaducts with an emphasis on expansion joints.
Furthermore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of cable
restrainers is presented. For this purpose, the bridge seismic
performance has been evaluated on four different radii of curvature,
considering two cases: restrained and unrestrained curved viaducts.
Depending on the radius of curvature, three-dimensional non-linear
dynamic analysis shows the vulnerability of curved viaducts to
pounding and deck unseating damage. In this study, the efficiency of
using LRB supports combined with cable restrainers on curved
viaducts is demonstrated, not only by reducing in all cases the
possible damage, but also by providing a similar behavior in the
viaducts despite of curvature radius.
Abstract: Traditional multivariate control charts assume that measurement from manufacturing processes follows a multivariate normal distribution. However, this assumption may not hold or may be difficult to verify because not all the measurement from manufacturing processes are normal distributed in practice. This study develops a new multivariate control chart for monitoring the processes with non-normal data. We propose a mechanism based on integrating the one-class classification method and the adaptive technique. The adaptive technique is used to improve the sensitivity to small shift on one-class classification in statistical process control. In addition, this design provides an easy way to allocate the value of type I error so it is easier to be implemented. Finally, the simulation study and the real data from industry are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the propose control charts.
Abstract: The simple methods used to plan and measure non
patterned production system are developed from the basic definition
of working efficiency. Processing time is assigned as the variable
and used to write the equation of production efficiency.
Consequently, such equation is extensively used to develop the
planning method for production of interest using one-dimensional
stock cutting problem. The application of the developed method
shows that production efficiency and production planning can be
determined effectively.
Abstract: We propose a formal framework for the specification of
the behavior of a system of agents, as well as those of the constituting
agents. This framework allows us to model each agent-s effectoric
capability including its interactions with the other agents. We also
provide an algorithm based on Milner-s "observation equivalence" to
derive an agent-s perception of its task domain situations from its
effectoric capability, and use "system computations" to model the
coordinated efforts of the agents in the system . Formal definitions
of the concept of "behavior equivalence" of two agents and that of
system computations equivalence for an agent are also provided.
Abstract: The regulatory competence of blood glucose homeostasis might determine the degree of academic performance. The aim of this study was to produce a model of students' alcohol use based on glucose homeostasis control and cognitive functions that might define the pathogenetic mechanism of alcohol's effect on academic performance. The study took six hours and thirty minutes on fasting, involving thirteen male students. Disturbances in cognitive functions, precisely a decrease in the effectiveness of active attention and a faster development of fatigue after four to six hours of mental work in alcohol users, compared to abstainers was statistically proven. These disturbances in alcohol users were retained even after seven to ten days of moderate alcohol use and might be the reason for the low academic performances among students who use alcoholic beverages.
Abstract: In this paper, we study the stability of n-dimensional linear fractional neutral differential equation with time delays. By using the Laplace transform, we introduce a characteristic equation for the above system with multiple time delays. We discover that if all roots of the characteristic equation have negative parts, then the equilibrium of the above linear system with fractional order is Lyapunov globally asymptotical stable if the equilibrium exist that is almost the same as that of classical differential equations. An example is provided to show the effectiveness of the approach presented in this paper.
Abstract: This paper presents a new method of fault detection and isolation (FDI) for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell (FC) dynamic systems under an open-loop scheme. This method uses a radial basis function (RBF) neural network to perform fault identification, classification and isolation. The novelty is that the RBF model of independent mode is used to predict the future outputs of the FC stack. One actuator fault, one component fault and three sensor faults have been introduced to the PEMFC systems experience faults between -7% to +10% of fault size in real-time operation. To validate the results, a benchmark model developed by Michigan University is used in the simulation to investigate the effect of these five faults. The developed independent RBF model is tested on MATLAB R2009a/Simulink environment. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method for FDI under an open-loop condition. By using this method, the RBF networks able to detect and isolate all five faults accordingly and accurately.
Abstract: In two studies we tested the hypothesis that the
appropriate linguistic formulation of a deontic rule – i.e. the
formulation which clarifies the monadic nature of deontic operators
- should produce more correct responses than the conditional
formulation in Wason selection task. We tested this assumption by
presenting a prescription rule and a prohibition rule in conditional
vs. proper deontic formulation. We contrasted this hypothesis with
two other hypotheses derived from social contract theory and
relevance theory. According to the first theory, a deontic rule
expressed in terms of cost-benefit should elicit a cheater detection
module, sensible to mental states attributions and thus able to
discriminate intentional rule violations from accidental rule
violations. We tested this prevision by distinguishing the two types
of violations. According to relevance theory, performance in
selection task should improve by increasing cognitive effect and
decreasing cognitive effort. We tested this prevision by focusing
experimental instructions on the rule vs. the action covered by the
rule. In study 1, in which 480 undergraduates participated, we
tested these predictions through a 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 (type of the rule x
rule formulation x type of violation x experimental instructions)
between-subjects design. In study 2 – carried out by means of a 2 x
2 (rule formulation x type of violation) between-subjects design -
we retested the hypothesis of rule formulation vs. the cheaterdetection
hypothesis through a new version of selection task in
which intentional vs. accidental rule violations were better
discriminated. 240 undergraduates participated in this study.
Results corroborate our hypothesis and challenge the contrasting
assumptions. However, they show that the conditional formulation
of deontic rules produces a lower performance than what is
reported in literature.
Abstract: A conjugate heat transfer for steady two-dimensional
mixed convection with magnetic hydrodynamic (MHD) flow of an
incompressible quiescent fluid over an unsteady thermal forming
stretching sheet has been studied. A parameter, M, which is used to
represent the dominance of the magnetic effect has been presented in
governing equations. The similar transformation and an implicit
finite-difference method have been used to analyze the present
problem. The numerical solutions of the flow velocity distributions,
temperature profiles, the wall unknown values of f''(0) and '(θ (0) for
calculating the heat transfer of the similar boundary-layer flow are
carried out as functions of the unsteadiness parameter (S), the Prandtl
number (Pr), the space-dependent parameter (A) and
temperature-dependent parameter (B) for heat source/sink and the
magnetic parameter (M). The effects of these parameters have also
discussed. At the results, it will produce greater heat transfer effect
with a larger Pr and M, S, A, B will reduce heat transfer effects. At
last, conjugate heat transfer for the free convection with a larger G has
a good heat transfer effect better than a smaller G=0.
Abstract: Nowadays, access to sustainable development in cities is assumed as one of the most important goals of urban managers. In the meanwhile, neighborhood as the smallest unit of urban spatial organization has a substantial effect on urban sustainability. Hence, attention to and focus on this subject is highly important in urban development plans. The objective of this study is evaluation of the status of Jahanshahr Neighborhood in Karaj city based on sustainable neighborhood development indicators. This research has been applied based on documentary method and field surveys. Also, evaluating of Jahanshahr Neighborhood of Karaj shows that it has a high level in sustainability in physical and economical dimension while a low level in cultural and social dimension. For this purpose, this neighborhood as a semi-sustainable neighborhood must take measures for development of collective spaces and efficiency of utilizing the public neighborhood spaces via collaboration of citizens and officials.
Abstract: In this paper, an analytical approach for free vibration
analysis of four edges simply supported rectangular Kirchhoff plates
is presented. The method is based on wave approach. From wave
standpoint vibration propagate, reflect and transmit in a structure.
Firstly, the propagation and reflection matrices for plate with simply
supported boundary condition are derived. Then, these matrices are
combined to provide a concise and systematic approach to free
vibration analysis of a simply supported rectangular Kirchhoff plate.
Subsequently, the eigenvalue problem for free vibration of plates is
formulated and the equation of plate natural frequencies is
constructed. Finally, the effectiveness of the approach is shown by
comparison of the results with existing classical solution.
Abstract: The Kowsar dam supply water for different usages
such as drinking, industrial, agricultural and aquaculture farms
usages and located next to the city of Dehdashat in Kohgiluye and
Boyerahmad province in southern Iran. There are some towns and
villages on the Kowsar dam watersheds, which Dehdasht and
Choram are the most important and populated cities in this area. The
study was undertaken to assess the status of water quality in the
urban areas of the Kowsar dam. A total of 28 water samples were
collected from 6 stations on surface water and 1 station from
groundwater on the watershed of the Kowsar dam. All the samples
were analyzed for Cd concentration using standard procedures. The
results were compared with other national and international
standards. Among the analyzed samples, as the maximum value of
cadmium (1.131 μg/L) was observed on the station 2 at the winter
2009, all the samples analyzed were within the maximum admissible
limits by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, EU,
WHO, New Zealand , Australian, Iranian, and the Indian standards.
In general results of the present study have shown that Cd mean
values of stations No. 4, 1 and 2 with 0.5135, 0.0.4733 and 0.4573
μg/L respectively are higher than the other stations . Although Cd
level of all samples and stations have had normal values but this is
an indication of pollution potential and hazards because of human
activity and waste water of towns in the areas, which can effect on
human health implications in future. This research, therefore,
recommends the government and other responsible authorities to take
suitable improving measures in the Kowsar dam watershed-s.
Abstract: The spores of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana was evaluated for their compatibility with four surfactants; SDS (sodium dodyl sulphate) and CABS-65 (calcium alkyl benzene sulphonate), Tween 20 (polyethylene sorbitan monolaureate) and Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoleate) at six different concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%). Incubated spores showed decrease in concentrations due to conversion of spores to hyphae. The maximum germination recorded in 72 h incubated spores varied with surfactant concentration at 49-68% (SDS), 39- 53% (CABS), 78-92% (Tween 80) and 80-92% (Tween 20), while the optimal surfactant concentration for spore germination was found to be 2.5-5%. The surfactant effect on spores was more pronounced with SDS and CABS-65, where significant deterioration and loss in viability of the incubated spores was observed. The effect of Tween 20 and Tween 80 were comparatively less inhibiting. The results of the study would help in surfactant selection for B. bassiana emulsion preparation.
Abstract: The present work demonstrates the design and simulation of a fuzzy control of an air conditioning system at different pressures. The first order Sugeno fuzzy inference system is utilized to model the system and create the controller. In addition, an estimation of the heat transfer rate and water mass flow rate injection into or withdraw from the air conditioning system is determined by the fuzzy IF-THEN rules. The approach starts by generating the input/output data. Then, the subtractive clustering algorithm along with least square estimation (LSE) generates the fuzzy rules that describe the relationship between input/output data. The fuzzy rules are tuned by Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The results show that when the pressure increases the amount of water flow rate and heat transfer rate decrease within the lower ranges of inlet dry bulb temperatures. On the other hand, and as pressure increases the amount of water flow rate and heat transfer rate increases within the higher ranges of inlet dry bulb temperatures. The inflection in the pressure effect trend occurs at lower temperatures as the inlet air humidity increases.
Abstract: In this paper, based on the coupled-mode and carrier rate equations, derivation of a dynamic model and numerically analysis of a MQW chirped DFB-SOA all-optical flip-flop is done precisely. We have analyzed the effects of strains of QW and MQW and cross phase modulation (XPM) on the dynamic response, and rise and fall times of the DFB-SOA all optical flip flop. We have shown that strained MQW active region in under an optimized condition into a DFB-SOA with chirped grating can improve the switching ON speed limitation in such a of the device, significantly while the fall time is increased. The values of the rise times for such an all optical flip-flop, are obtained in an optimized condition, areas tr=255ps.
Abstract: A Rotary Disc Contactor with inner diameter of
9.1cm and maximum operating height of 40cm has been used to
investigate break up phenomenon. Water-Toluene, Water as
continuous phase and Toluene as dispersed phase, was selected as
chemical system in the experiments. The mentioned chemical system
has high interfacial tension so it was possible to form big drops
which permit accurate investigation on break up phenomenon as well
as the first and second critical rotor speeds.
In this study, Break up phenomenon has been studied as a function
of mother drop size, rotor speed and continuous phase height. Further
more; the effects of mother drop size and continuous phase height on
the first and second critical rotor speeds were investigated. Finally,
two modified correlations were proposed to estimate the first and
second critical speeds.
Abstract: Over the past years, the EMCCD has had a profound
influence on photon starved imaging applications relying on its unique
multiplication register based on the impact ionization effect in the
silicon. High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) means high image quality.
Thus, SNR improvement is important for the EMCCD. This work
analyzes the SNR performance of an EMCCD with gain off and on. In
each mode, simplified SNR models are established for different
integration times. The SNR curves are divided into readout noise (or
CIC) region and shot noise region by integration time. Theoretical
SNR values comparing long frame integration and frame adding in
each region are presented and discussed to figure out which method is
more effective. In order to further improve the SNR performance,
pixel binning is introduced into the EMCCD. The results show that
pixel binning does obviously improve the SNR performance, but at the
expensive of the spatial resolution.
Abstract: Random Oracle Model (ROM) is an effective method
for measuring the practical security of cryptograph. In this paper, we
try to use it into information hiding system (IHS). Because IHS has its
own properties, the ROM must be modified if it is used into IHS.
Firstly, we fully discuss why and how to modify each part of ROM
respectively. The main changes include: 1) Divide the attacks that IHS
may be suffered into two phases and divide the attacks of each phase
into several kinds. 2) Distinguish Oracles and Black-boxes clearly. 3)
Define Oracle and four Black-boxes that IHS used. 4) Propose the
formalized adversary model. And 5) Give the definition of judge.
Secondly, based on ROM of IHS, the security against known original
cover attack (KOCA-KOCA-security) is defined. Then, we give an
actual information hiding scheme and prove that it is
KOCA-KOCA-secure. Finally, we conclude the paper and propose the
open problems of further research.
Abstract: In this paper first, Two buildings have been modeled
and then analyzed using nonlinear static analysis method under two
different conditions in Nonlinear SAP 2000 software. In the first
condition the interaction of soil adjacent to the walls of basement are
ignored while in the second case this interaction have been modeled
using Gap elements of nonlinear SAP2000 software. Finally,
comparing the results of two models, the effects of soil-structure on
period, target point displacement, internal forces, shape deformations
and base shears have been studied. According to the results, this
interaction has always increased the base shear of buildings,
decreased the period of structure and target point displacement, and
often decreased the internal forces and displacements.
Abstract: The paper presents a part of the results obtained in a
complex research project on Romanian Grey Steppe breed, owner of
some remarkable qualities such as hardiness, longevity, adaptability,
special resistance to ban weather and diseases and included in the
genetic fund (G.D. no. 822/2008.) from Romania.
Following the researches effectuated, we identified alleles of six
loci, codifying the six types of major milk proteins: alpha-casein S1
(α S1-cz); beta-casein (β-cz); kappa-casein (K-cz); beta-lactoglobulin
(β-lg); alpha-lactalbumin (α-la) and alpha-casein S2 (α S2-cz). In
system αS1-cz allele αs1-Cn B has the highest frequency (0.700), in
system β-cz allele β-Cn A2 ( 0.550 ), in system K-cz allele k-CnA2 (
0.583 ) and heterozygote genotype AB ( 0.416 ) and BB (0.375), in
system β-lg allele β-lgA1 has the highest frequency (0.542 ) and
heterozygote genotype AB ( 0.500 ), in system α-la there is
monomorphism for allele α-la B and similarly in system αS2-cz for
allele αs2-Cn A.
The milk analysis by the isoelectric focalization technique (I.E.F.)
allowed the identification of a new allele for locus αS1-casein, for two
of the individuals under analysis, namely allele called αS1-casein
IRV. When experiments were repeated, we noticed that this is not a
proteolysis band and it really was a new allele that has not been
registered in the specialized literature so far. We identified two
heterozygote individuals, carriers of this allele, namely: BIRV and
CIRV. This discovery is extremely important if focus is laid on the
national genetic patrimony.