Abstract: This work proposes a data-driven multiscale based
quantitative measures to reveal the underlying complexity of
electroencephalogram (EEG), applying to a rodent model of
hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and recovery. Motivated by that real
EEG recording is nonlinear and non-stationary over different
frequencies or scales, there is a need of more suitable approach over
the conventional single scale based tools for analyzing the EEG data.
Here, we present a new framework of complexity measures
considering changing dynamics over multiple oscillatory scales. The
proposed multiscale complexity is obtained by calculating entropies of
the probability distributions of the intrinsic mode functions extracted
by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) of EEG. To quantify
EEG recording of a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury
following cardiac arrest, the multiscale version of Tsallis entropy is
examined. To validate the proposed complexity measure, actual EEG
recordings from rats (n=9) experiencing 7 min cardiac arrest followed
by resuscitation were analyzed. Experimental results demonstrate that
the use of the multiscale Tsallis entropy leads to better discrimination
of the injury levels and improved correlations with the neurological
deficit evaluation after 72 hours after cardiac arrest, thus suggesting an
effective metric as a prognostic tool.
Abstract: This paper presents dynamic models of distributed
generators (DG) and investigates dynamic behavior of the DG units
in the micro grid system. The DG units include photovoltaic and fuel
cell sources. The voltage source inverter is adopted since the
electronic interface which can be equipped with its controller to keep
stability of the micro grid during small signal dynamics. This paper
also introduces power management strategies and implements the DG
load sharing concept to keep the micro grid operation in gridconnected
and islanding modes of operation. The results demonstrate
the operation and performance of the photovoltaic and fuel cell as
distributed generators in a micro grid. The entire control system in
the micro grid is developed by combining the benefits of the power
control and the voltage control strategies. Simulation results are all
reported, confirming the validity of the proposed control technique.
Abstract: Reliability of long-term storage products is related to
the availability of the whole system, and the evaluation of storage life
is of great necessity. These products are usually highly reliable and
little failure information can be collected. In this paper, an analytical
method based on data from accelerated storage life test is proposed to
evaluate the reliability index of the long-term storage products. Firstly,
singularities are eliminated by data normalization and residual
analysis. Secondly, with the preprocessed data, the degradation path
model is built to obtain the pseudo life values. Then by life distribution
hypothesis, we can get the estimator of parameters in high stress levels
and verify failure mechanism consistency. Finally, the life distribution
under the normal stress level is extrapolated via the acceleration model
and evaluation of the actual average life is available. An application
example with the camera stabilization device is provided to illustrate
the methodology we proposed.
Abstract: Testability modeling is a commonly used method in
testability design and analysis of system. A dependency matrix will be
obtained from testability modeling, and we will give a quantitative
evaluation about fault detection and isolation.
Based on the dependency matrix, we can obtain the diagnosis tree.
The tree provides the procedures of the fault detection and isolation.
But the dependency matrix usually includes built-in test (BIT) and
manual test in fact. BIT runs the test automatically and is not limited
by the procedures. The method above cannot give a more efficient
diagnosis and use the advantages of the BIT.
A Comprehensive method of fault detection and isolation is
proposed. This method combines the advantages of the BIT and
Manual test by splitting the matrix. The result of the case study shows
that the method is effective.
Abstract: The purposes of this study are 1) to study the effects
of participatory error correction process and 2) to find out the
students’ satisfaction of such error correction process. This study is a
Quasi Experimental Research with single group, in which data is
collected 5 times preceding and following 4 experimental studies of
participatory error correction process including providing coded
indirect corrective feedback in the students’ texts with error treatment
activities. Samples include 52 2nd year English Major students,
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat
University. Tool for experimental study includes the lesson plan of
the course; Reading and Writing English for Academic Purposes II,
and tools for data collection include 5 writing tests of short texts and
a questionnaire. Based on formative evaluation of the students’
writing ability prior to and after each of the 4 experiments, the
research findings disclose the students’ higher scores with statistical
difference at 0.00. Moreover, in terms of the effect size of such
process, it is found that for mean of the students’ scores prior to and
after the 4 experiments; d equals 0.6801, 0.5093, 0.5071, and 0.5296
respectively. It can be concluded that participatory error correction
process enables all of the students to learn equally well and there is
improvement in their ability to write short texts. Finally the students’
overall satisfaction of the participatory error correction process is in
high level (Mean = 4.39, S.D. = 0.76).
Abstract: Reliability allocation is quite important during early
design and development stages for a system to apportion its specified
reliability goal to subsystems. This paper improves the reliability
fuzzy allocation method, and gives concrete processes on determining
the factor and sub-factor sets, weight sets, judgment set, and
multi-stage fuzzy evaluation. To determine the weight of factor and
sub-factor sets, the modified trapezoidal numbers are proposed to
reduce errors caused by subjective factors. To decrease the fuzziness
in fuzzy division, an approximation method based on linear
programming is employed. To compute the explicit values of fuzzy
numbers, centroid method of defuzzification is considered. An
example is provided to illustrate the application of the proposed
reliability allocation method based on fuzzy arithmetic.
Abstract: The performance of box-type solar cookers has been
reported by several researchers but little attention was paid to the
effect of the type of insulation material on the energy and exergy
efficiency of these cookers. This research aimed at evaluating the
energy and exergy efficiencies of the box-type cookers containing
different insulation materials. Energy and exergy efficiencies of five
box-type solar cookers insulated with maize cob, air (control), maize
husk, coconut coir and polyurethane foam respectively were obtained
over a period of three years. The cookers were evaluated using water
heating test procedures in determining the energy and exergy
analysis. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using
ANOVA. The result shows that the average energy input for the five
solar cookers were: 245.5, 252.2, 248.7, 241.5 and 245.5J
respectively while their respective average energy losses were: 201.2,
212.7, 208.4, 189.1 and 199.8J. The average exergy input for five
cookers were: 228.2, 234.4, 231.1, 224.4 and 228.2J respectively
while their respective average exergy losses were: 223.4, 230.6,
226.9, 218.9 and 223.0J. The energy and exergy efficiency was
highest in the cooker with coconut coir (37.35 and 3.90%
respectively) in the first year but was lowest for air (11 and 1.07%
respectively) in the third year. Statistical analysis showed significant
difference between the energy and exergy efficiencies over the years.
These results reiterate the importance of a good insulating material
for a box-type solar cooker.
Abstract: We present a framework of researcher knowledge
development in conducting a study in mathematics education. The
key components of the framework are: knowledge germane to
conducting a particular study, processes of knowledge accumulation,
and catalyzing filters that influence a researcher decision making.
The components of the framework originated from a confluence
between constructs and theories in Mathematics Education, Higher
Education and Sociology. Drawing on a self-reflective interview with
a leading researcher in mathematics education, Professor Michèle
Artigue, we illustrate how the framework can be utilized in data
analysis. Criteria for framework evaluation are discussed.
Abstract: The textile industry plays a major role in the economy
of India and on the other side of the coin it is the major source for
water pollution. As azo dyes is the largest dye class they are
extensively used in many fields such as textile industry, leather
tanning industry, paper production, food, color photography,
pharmaceuticals and medicine, cosmetic, hair colorings, wood
staining, agricultural, biological and chemical research etc. In
addition to these, they can have acute and/or chronic effects on
organisms depending on their concentration and length of exposure
when they discharged as effluent in the environment. The aim of this
study was to assess the genotoxic and histotoxic potentials of
environmentally relevant concentrations of C. I. Reactive Red 120
(RR 120) on Catla catla, important edible freshwater fingerlings. For
this, healthy Catla catla fingerlings were procured from the
Government Fish Farm and acclimatized in 100 L capacity and
continuously aerated glass aquarium in laboratory for 15 days.
According to APHA some physic-chemical parameters were
measured and maintained such as temperature, pH, dissolve oxygen,
alkalinity, total hardness. Water along with excreta had been changed
every 24 hrs. All fingerlings were fed artificial food palates once a
day @ body weight. After 15 days fingerlings were grouped in 5 (10
in each) and exposed to various concentrations of RR 120 (Control,
10, 20, 30 and 40 mg.l-1) and samples (peripheral blood and gills,
kidney) were collected and analyzed at 96 hrs. All results were
compared with the control. Micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NB),
fragmented-apoptotic (FA) and bi-nucleated (BN) cells in blood
smears and in tissues (gills and kidney cells) were observed.
Prominent histopathological alterations were noticed in gills such as
aneurism, hyperplasia, degenerated central axis, lifting of gill
epithelium, curved secondary gill lamellae etc. Similarly kidney
showed some detrimental changes like shrunken glomeruli with
increased periglomerular space, degenerated renal tubules etc. Both
haematological and histopathological changes clearly reveal the toxic
potential of RR 120. This work concludes that water pollution
assessment can be done by these two biomarkers which provide
baseline to the further chromosomal or molecular work.
Abstract: In general, codes and regulations consider seismic
loads only for completed structures of the bridges while, evaluation
of incomplete structure of bridges, especially those constructed by
free cantilever method, under these loads is also of great importance.
Hence, this research tried to study the behavior of incomplete
structure of common bridge type (box girder bridge), in construction
phase under vertical seismic loads. Subsequently, the paper provided
suitable guidelines and solutions to resist this destructive
phenomenon. Research results proved that use of preventive methods
can significantly reduce the stresses resulted from vertical seismic
loads in box cross sections to an acceptable range recommended by
design codes.
Abstract: Problems insulation of building structures is often
closely connected with the problem of moisture remediation. In the
case of historic buildings or if only part of the redevelopment of
envelope of structures, it is not possible to apply the classical external
thermal insulation composite systems. This application is mostly
effective thermal insulation plasters with high porosity and controlled
capillary properties which assures improvement of thermal properties
construction, its diffusion openness towards the external environment
and suitable treatment capillary properties of preventing the
penetration of liquid moisture and salts thereof toward the outer
surface of the structure.
With respect to the current trend of reducing the energy
consumption of building structures and reduce the production of CO2
is necessary to develop capillary-active materials characterized by
their low density, low thermal conductivity while maintaining good
mechanical properties. The aim of researchers at the Faculty of Civil
Engineering, Brno University of Technology is the development and
study of hygrothermal behaviour of optimal materials for thermal
insulation and rehabilitation of building structures with the possible
use of alternative, less energy demanding binders in comparison with
conventional, frequently used binder, which represents cement.
The paper describes the evaluation of research activities aimed at
the development of thermal insulation and repair materials using
lightweight aggregate and alternative binders such as metakaolin and
finely ground fly ash.
Abstract: The paper deals with possibilities of interpretation of
iron ore reducibility tests. It presents a mathematical model
developed at Centre ENET, VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava,
Czech Republic for an evaluation of metallurgical material of blast
furnace feedstock such as iron ore, sinter or pellets. According to the
data from the test, the model predicts its usage in blast furnace
technology and its effects on production parameters of shaft
aggregate. At the beginning, the paper sums up the general concept
and experience in mathematical modelling of iron ore reduction. It
presents basic equation for the calculation and the main parts of the
developed model. In the experimental part, there is an example of
usage of the mathematical model. The paper describes the usage of
data for some predictive calculation. There are presented material,
method of carried test of iron ore reducibility. Then there are
graphically interpreted effects of used material on carbon
consumption, rate of direct reduction and the whole reduction
process.
Abstract: In the past researchers have questioned the
effectiveness of ethics training in higher education. Also, there are
observations that support the view that ethical behaviour (range of
actions)/ethical decision making models used in the past make use of
vignettes to explain ethical behaviour. The understanding remains in
the perspective that these vignettes play a limited role in determining
individual intentions and not actions. Some authors have also agreed
that there are possibilities of differences in one’s intentions and
actions. This paper makes an attempt to fill those gaps by evaluating
real actions rather than intentions. In a way this study suggests the
use of an experiential methodology to explore Berlo’s model of
communication as an action along with orchestration of various
principles. To this endeavor, an attempt was made to use
conversational analysis in the pursuance of evaluating ethical
decision making behaviour among students and middle level
managers. The process was repeated six times with the set of an
average of 15 participants. Similarities have been observed in the
behaviour of students and middle level managers that calls for
understanding that both the groups of individuals have no cognizance
of their actual actions. The deliberations derived out of conversation
were taken a step forward for meta-ethical evaluations to portray a
clear picture of ethical behaviour among participants. This study
provides insights for understanding demonstrated unconscious human
behaviour which may fortuitously be termed both ethical and
unethical.
Abstract: R.C.C. buildings with dual structural system
consisting of shear walls (or braces) and moment resisting frames
have been widely used to resist lateral forces during earthquakes. The
dual systems are designed to resist the total design lateral force in
proportion to their lateral stiffness. The response of combination of
braces and shear walls has not yet been studied. The combination
may prove to be more effective to resist lateral forces during
earthquakes. This concept has been applied to regular R.C.C.
buildings provided with shear walls, braces and their combinations.
Abstract: The Algeria by its location offers a rich and diverse
vegetation. A large number of aromatic and medicinal plants grow
spontaneously. The interest in these plants has continued to grow in
recent years. Their particular properties due to the essential oil
fraction can be utilized to treat microbial infections. To this end, and
in the context of the valuation of the Algerian flora, we became
interested in the species of the family Lamiaceae which is one of the
most used as a global source of spices. The plant on which we have
based our choice is a species of sage "Salvia officinalis" from the
Isser localized region within the province of Boumerdes. This work
focuses on the study of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil
extracted from the leaves of Salvia officinalis. The extraction is
carried out by essential oil hydrodistillation and reveals a yield of
1.06℅. The study of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil by
the method of at aromatogramme shown that Gram positive bacteria
are most susceptible (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis)
with a strong inhibition of growth. The yeast Candida albicans
fungus Aspergillus niger and have shown moderately sensitive.
Abstract: The heavy metal pollution degree in the soils around
the Zangezur copper and molybdenum combine in Syunik Marz,
Armenia was assessed. The results of the study showed that heavy
metal pollution degree in the soils mainly decreased with increasing
distance from the open mine and the ore enrichment combine which
indicated that the open mine and the ore enrichment combine were
the main sources of heavy metal pollution. The only exception was
observed in the northern part of the open mine where pollution
degree in the sites (along the open mine) situated 600 meters far from
the mine was higher than that in the sites located 300 meters far from
the mine. This can be explained by the characteristics of relief and air
currents as well as the weak vegetation cover of these sites and the
characteristics of soil structure. According to geo-accumulation index
(I-geo), contamination factor (Cf), contamination degree (Cd) and
pollution load index (PLI) values, the pollution degree in the soils
around the open mine and the ore enrichment combine was higher
than that in the soils around the tailing dumps which was due to the
proper and accurate operation of the Artsvanik tailing damp and the
recultivation of the Voghji tailing dump.
The high Cu and Mo pollution of the soils was conditioned by the
character of industrial activities, the moving direction of air currents
as well as the physicochemical peculiarities of the soils.
Abstract: Two finite element (FEM) models are presented in
this paper to address the random nature of the response of glued
timber structures made of wood segments with variable elastic
moduli evaluated from 3600 indentation measurements. This total
database served to create the same number of ensembles as was the
number of segments in the tested beam. Statistics of these ensembles
were then assigned to given segments of beams and the Latin
Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method was called to perform 100
simulations resulting into the ensemble of 100 deflections subjected
to statistical evaluation. Here, a detailed geometrical arrangement of
individual segments in the laminated beam was considered in the
construction of two-dimensional FEM model subjected to in fourpoint
bending to comply with the laboratory tests. Since laboratory
measurements of local elastic moduli may in general suffer from a
significant experimental error, it appears advantageous to exploit the
full scale measurements of timber beams, i.e. deflections, to improve
their prior distributions with the help of the Bayesian statistical
method. This, however, requires an efficient computational model
when simulating the laboratory tests numerically. To this end, a
simplified model based on Mindlin’s beam theory was established.
The improved posterior distributions show that the most significant
change of the Young’s modulus distribution takes place in laminae in
the most strained zones, i.e. in the top and bottom layers within the
beam center region. Posterior distributions of moduli of elasticity
were subsequently utilized in the 2D FEM model and compared with
the original simulations.
Abstract: The purpose of the present work was to develop an
innovative food product with nutritional properties as well as
appealing organoleptic qualities. The product, a jam, was prepared
with the beans’ cooking water combined with fresh apple or carrot,
without the addition of any conservatives. Three different jams were
produced: bean and carrot, bean and apple and bean, apple and
cinnamon. The developed products underwent a sensorial analysis
that revealed that the bean, apple and cinnamon jam was globally
better accepted. However, with this study, the consumers determined
that the bean and carrot jam had the most attractive color and the
bean and apple jam the better consistency. Additionally, it was
possible to analyze the jams for their chemical components, namely
fat, fiber, protein, sugars and antioxidant activity. The obtained
results showed that the bean and carrot jam had the highest lipid
content, while the bean, apple and cinnamon jam had the highest
fiber content, when compared to the other two jams. Regarding the
sugar content, both jams with apple revealed similar sugar values,
which were higher than the sugar content of the bean and carrot jam.
The antioxidant activity was on average 10 mg TE/g.
Abstract: The article deals with modelling of the fire
pragmatism in the area of military management and its experimental
verification. Potential approaches are based on the synergy of
mathematical and theoretical ideas, operational and tactical
requirements and the military decision-making process. This issue
has taken on importance in recent times, particularly with the
increasing trend of digitized battlefield, the development of C4ISR
systems and intention to streamline the command and control process
at the lowest levels of command. From fundamental and
philosophical point of view, these new approaches seek to
significantly upgrade and enhance the decision-making process of the
tactical commanders.
Abstract: Over the years, it has been extensively established that
the practice of assuming a structure being fixed at base, leads to gross
errors in evaluation of its overall response due to dynamic loadings
and overestimations in design. The extent of these errors depends on
a number of variables; soil type being one of the major factor. This
paper studies the effect of Soil Structure Interaction (SSI) on multistorey
buildings with varying under-laying soil types after proper
validation of the effect of SSI. Analysis for soft, stiff and very stiff
base soils has been carried out, using a powerful Finite Element
Method (FEM) software package ANSYS v14.5. Results lead to
some very important conclusions regarding time period, deflection
and acceleration responses.