Abstract: Measurement of the quality of image compression is important for image processing application. In this paper, we propose an objective image quality assessment to measure the quality of gray scale compressed image, which is correlation well with subjective quality measurement (MOS) and least time taken. The new objective image quality measurement is developed from a few fundamental of objective measurements to evaluate the compressed image quality based on JPEG and JPEG2000. The reliability between each fundamental objective measurement and subjective measurement (MOS) is found. From the experimental results, we found that the Maximum Difference measurement (MD) and a new proposed measurement, Structural Content Laplacian Mean Square Error (SCLMSE), are the suitable measurements that can be used to evaluate the quality of JPEG200 and JPEG compressed image, respectively. In addition, MD and SCLMSE measurements are scaled to make them equivalent to MOS, given the rate of compressed image quality from 1 to 5 (unacceptable to excellent quality).
Abstract: In this article we explore how computer assisted exercises may allow for bridging the traditional gap between theory and practice in professional education. To educate officers able to master the complexity of the battlefield the Norwegian Military Academy needs to develop a learning environment that allows for creating viable connections between the educational environment and the field of practice. In response to this challenge we explore the conditions necessary to make computer assisted training systems (CATS) a useful tool to create structural similarities between an educational context and the field of military practice. Although, CATS may facilitate work procedures close to real life situations, this case do demonstrate how professional competence also must build on viable learning theories and environments. This paper explores the conditions that allow for using simulators to facilitate professional competence from within an educational setting. We develop a generic didactic model that ascribes learning to participation in iterative cycles of action and reflection. The development of this model is motivated by the need to develop an interdisciplinary professional education rooted in the pattern of military practice.
Abstract: In the paper the results of calculations of the dynamic
response of a multi-storey reinforced concrete building to a strong
mining shock originated from the main region of mining activity in
Poland (i.e. the Legnica-Glogow Copper District) are presented. The
representative time histories of accelerations registered in three
directions were used as ground motion data in calculations of the
dynamic response of the structure. Two variants of a numerical model
were applied: the model including only structural elements of the
building and the model including both structural and non-structural
elements (i.e. partition walls and ventilation ducts made of brick). It
turned out that non-structural elements of multi-storey RC buildings
have a small impact of about 10 % on natural frequencies of these
structures. It was also proved that the dynamic response of building
to mining shock obtained in case of inclusion of all non-structural
elements in the numerical model is about 20 % smaller than in case
of consideration of structural elements only. The principal stresses
obtained in calculations of dynamic response of multi-storey building
to strong mining shock are situated on the level of about 30% of
values obtained from static analysis (dead load).
Abstract: Shadoo protein (Sho) was described in 2003 as the newest member of Prion protein superfamily [1]. Sho has similar structural motifs like prion protein (PrP) that is known for its central role in transmissible spongiform enchephalopathies. Although a great number of functions have been proposed, the exact physiological function of PrP is not known yet. Investigation of the function and localization of Sho may help us to understand the function of the Prion protein superfamily. Analyzing the subcellular localization of YFP-tagged forms of Sho, we detected the protein in the plasma membrane and in the nucleus of various cell lines. To reveal the localization of the endogenous protein we generated antibodies against Shadoo as well as employed commercially available anti-Shadoo antibodies: i) EG62 anti-mouse Shadoo antibody generated by Eurogentec Ltd.; ii) S-12 anti-human Shadoo antibody by Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.; iii) R-12 anti-mouse Shadoo antibody by Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.; iv) SPRN antibody against human Shadoo by Abgent Inc. We carried out immunocytochemistry on non-transfected HeLa, Zpl 2-1, Zw 3-5, GT1-1, GT1-7 and SHSY5Y cells as well as on YFP-Sho, Sho-YFP, and YFP-GPI transfected HeLa cells. Their specificity (in antibody-peptide competition assay) and co-localization (with the YFP signal) were assessed.
Abstract: Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) in buildings are
known to be an effective means for resisting lateral forces. By using
un-stiffened walls and allowing them to buckle, their energy
absorption capacity will increase significantly due to the postbuckling
capacity. The post-buckling tension field action of SPSWs
can provide substantial strength, stiffness and ductility. This paper
presents the Finite Element Analysis of low yield point (LYP) steel
shear walls. In this shear wall system, the LYP steel plate is used for
the steel panel and conventional structural steel is used for boundary
frames. A series of nonlinear cyclic analyses were carried out to
obtain the stiffness, strength, deformation capacity, and energy
dissipation capacity of the LYP steel shear wall. The effect of widthto-
thickness ratio of steel plate on buckling behavior, and energy
dissipation capacities were studied. Good energy dissipation and
deformation capacities were obtained for all models.
Abstract: A minimal complexity version of component mode
synthesis is presented that requires simplified computer
programming, but still provides adequate accuracy for modeling
lower eigenproperties of large structures and their transient
responses. The novelty is that a structural separation into components
is done along a plane/surface that exhibits rigid-like behavior, thus
only normal modes of each component is sufficient to use, without
computing any constraint, attachment, or residual-attachment modes.
The approach requires only such input information as a few (lower)
natural frequencies and corresponding undamped normal modes of
each component. A novel technique is shown for formulation of
equations of motion, where a double transformation to generalized
coordinates is employed and formulation of nonproportional damping
matrix in generalized coordinates is shown.
Abstract: This study proposes a basic molecular formula for all
proteins. A total of 10,739 proteins belonging to 9 different protein
groups classified on the basis of their functions were selected
randomly. They included enzymes, storage proteins, hormones,
signalling proteins, structural proteins, transport proteins,
immunoglobulins or antibodies, motor proteins and receptor proteins.
After obtaining the protein molecular formula using the ProtParam
tool, the H/C, N/C, O/C, and S/C ratios were determined for each
randomly selected sample. In this case, H, N, O, and S coefficients
were specified per carbon atom. Surprisingly, the results
demonstrated that H, N, O, and S coefficients for all 10,739 proteins
are similar and highly correlated. This study demonstrates that
despite differences in the structure and function, all known proteins
have a similar basic molecular formula CnH1.58 ± 0.015nN0.28 ± 0.005nO0.30
± 0.007nS0.01 ± 0.002n. The total correlation between all coefficients was
found to be 0.9999.
Abstract: This paper presents the analysis of duct design using
static and dynamic approaches. The static approach is used to find
out applicability between the design and material applied. The
material used in this paper is Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO). For the
dynamic approach, the focusing is only on the CFD simulations. The
fatigue life in this design and material applied also covered.
Abstract: A computational platform is presented in this
contribution. It has been designed as a virtual laboratory to be used
for exploring optimization algorithms in biological problems. This
platform is built on a blackboard-based agent architecture. As a test
case, the version of the platform presented here is devoted to the
study of protein folding, initially with a bead-like description of the
chain and with the widely used model of hydrophobic and polar
residues (HP model). Some details of the platform design are
presented along with its capabilities and also are revised some
explorations of the protein folding problems with different types of
discrete space. It is also shown the capability of the platform to
incorporate specific tools for the structural analysis of the runs in
order to understand and improve the optimization process.
Accordingly, the results obtained demonstrate that the ensemble of
computational tools into a single platform is worthwhile by itself,
since experiments developed on it can be designed to fulfill different
levels of information in a self-consistent fashion. By now, it is being
explored how an experiment design can be useful to create a
computational agent to be included within the platform. These
inclusions of designed agents –or software pieces– are useful for the
better accomplishment of the tasks to be developed by the platform.
Clearly, while the number of agents increases the new version of the
virtual laboratory thus enhances in robustness and functionality.
Abstract: This article is devoted to the numerical solution of
large-scale quadratic eigenvalue problems. Such problems arise in
a wide variety of applications, such as the dynamic analysis of
structural mechanical systems, acoustic systems, fluid mechanics,
and signal processing. We first introduce a generalized second-order
Krylov subspace based on a pair of square matrices and two initial
vectors and present a generalized second-order Arnoldi process for
constructing an orthonormal basis of the generalized second-order
Krylov subspace. Then, by using the projection technique and the
refined projection technique, we propose a restarted generalized
second-order Arnoldi method and a restarted refined generalized
second-order Arnoldi method for computing some eigenpairs of largescale
quadratic eigenvalue problems. Some theoretical results are also
presented. Some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the
effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Abstract: Concrete pavement has superior durability and longer
structural life than asphalt pavement. Concrete pavement requires
less maintenance compared to asphalt pavement which requires maintenance and major rehabilitation. Use of the concrete pavement
has been grown over the past decade in developing countries. Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) has been successfully used in design of concrete pavement in past decade. In this research, the effect of fibre
volume fraction in modulus of rupture, load-deflection, equivalent flexural strength (fe,3) and the equivalent flexural strength ratio (Re,3)
has been used in different fibre volume fraction. Crimped-type flat
steel fibre of size 50 x 2.0 x 0.6 mm was used with 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% volume fraction. Beam specimens of size 500 x 100 x 100 mm were used for flexural as well as with JCI method for analysis flexural toughness, equivalent flexural strength. It was obtained as the 2% fibre volume fractions; reduce 45% of the concrete pavement
thickness.
Abstract: Topology Optimization is a defined as the method of
determining optimal distribution of material for the assumed design
space with functionality, loads and boundary conditions [1].
Topology optimization can be used to optimize shape for the
purposes of weight reduction, minimizing material requirements or
selecting cost effective materials [2]. Topology optimization has been
implemented through the use of finite element methods for the
analysis, and optimization techniques based on the method of moving
asymptotes, genetic algorithms, optimality criteria method, level sets
and topological derivatives. Case study of Typical “Fuselage design"
is considered for this paper to explain the benefits of Topology
Optimization in the design cycle. A cylindrical shell is assumed as
the design space and aerospace standard pay loads were applied on
the fuselage with wing attachments as constraints. Then topological
optimization is done using Finite Element (FE) based software. This
optimization results in the structural concept design which satisfies
all the design constraints using minimum material.
Abstract: These Nowadays the explosion of bombs or explosive
materials such as gas and oil near or inside the buildings cause some
losses in installations and building components. This has made the
engineers to make the buildings and their components resistance
against the effects of explosion. These activities lead to provide
regulations and different methods. The above regulations are mostly
focused on the explosion effects resulting from the vehicles around
the buildings. Therefore, the explosion resulting from the vehicles
outside the buildings will be studied in this research.
In the present study, the main goals are to investigate the
explosion load effects on the structures located on the piles with the
specific quantity of plasticity and observing the permissible response
of these structures. The concentrated mass system and the spring with
two degree of freedom will be used to study the structural system.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the Mega-Sub Controlled
Structure Systems (MSCSS) performances and characteristics
regarding the new control principle contained in MSCSS subjected to
strong earthquake excitations. The adopted control scheme consists of
modulated sub-structures where the control action is achieved by
viscous dampers and sub-structure own configuration. The
elastic-plastic time history analysis under severe earthquake excitation
is analyzed base on the Finite Element Analysis Method (FEAM), and
some comparison results are also given in this paper. The result shows
that the MSCSS systems can remarkably reduce vibrations effects
more than the mega-sub structure (MSS). The study illustrates that the
improved MSCSS presents good seismic resistance ability even at 1.2g
and can absorb seismic energy in the structure, thus imply that
structural members cross section can be reduce and achieve to good
economic characteristics. Furthermore, the elasto-plastic analysis
demonstrates that the MSCSS is accurate enough regarding
international building evaluation and design codes. This paper also
shows that the elasto-plastic dynamic analysis method is a reasonable
and reliable analysis method for structures subjected to strong
earthquake excitations and that the computed results are more precise.
Abstract: Nanostructured materials have attracted many
researchers due to their outstanding mechanical and physical
properties. For example, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or carbon
nanofibres (CNFs) are considered to be attractive reinforcement
materials for light weight and high strength metal matrix composites.
These composites are being projected for use in structural
applications for their high specific strength as well as functional
materials for their exciting thermal and electrical characteristics. The
critical issues of CNT-reinforced MMCs include processing
techniques, nanotube dispersion, interface, strengthening mechanisms
and mechanical properties. One of the major obstacles to the effective
use of carbon nanotubes as reinforcements in metal matrix
composites is their agglomeration and poor distribution/dispersion
within the metallic matrix. In order to tap into the advantages of the
properties of CNTs (or CNFs) in composites, the high dispersion of
CNTs (or CNFs) and strong interfacial bonding are the key issues
which are still challenging. Processing techniques used for synthesis
of the composites have been studied with an objective to achieve
homogeneous distribution of carbon nanotubes in the matrix.
Modified mechanical alloying (ball milling) techniques have emerged
as promising routes for the fabrication of carbon nanotube (CNT)
reinforced metal matrix composites. In order to obtain a
homogeneous product, good control of the milling process, in
particular control of the ball movement, is essential. The control of
the ball motion during the milling leads to a reduction in grinding
energy and a more homogeneous product. Also, the critical inner
diameter of the milling container at a particular rotational speed can
be calculated. In the present work, we use conventional and modified
mechanical alloying to generate a homogenous distribution of 2 wt.
% CNT within Al powders. 99% purity Aluminium powder (Acros,
200mesh) was used along with two different types of multiwall
carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) having different aspect ratios to
produce Al-CNT composites. The composite powders were processed
into bulk material by compaction, and sintering using a cylindrical
compaction and tube furnace. Field Emission Scanning electron
microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman
spectroscopy and Vickers macro hardness tester were used to
evaluate CNT dispersion, powder morphology, CNT damage, phase
analysis, mechanical properties and crystal size determination.
Despite the success of ball milling in dispersing CNTs in Al powder,
it is often accompanied with considerable strain hardening of the Al
powder, which may have implications on the final properties of the
composite. The results show that particle size and morphology vary
with milling time. Also, by using the mixing process and sonication
before mechanical alloying and modified ball mill, dispersion of the
CNTs in Al matrix improves.
Abstract: Ventilation is a fundamental requirement for
occupant health and indoor air quality in buildings. Natural
ventilation can be used as a design strategy in free-running
buildings to:
• Renew indoor air with fresh outside air and lower room
temperatures at times when the outdoor air is cooler.
• Promote air flow to cool down the building structure
(structural cooling).
• Promote occupant physiological cooling processes
(comfort cooling).
This paper focuses on ways in which ventilation can
provide the mechanism for heat dissipation and cooling of the
building structure..It also discusses use of ventilation as a
means of increasing air movement to improve comfort when
indoor air temperatures are too high. The main influencing
factors and design considerations and quantitative guidelines
to help meet the design objectives are also discussed.
Abstract: The characterization of κ-carrageenan could provide a
better understanding of its functions in biological, medical and
industrial applications. Chemical and physical analyses of
carrageenan from seaweeds, Euchema cottonii L., were done to offer
information on its properties and the effects of Co-60 γ-irradiation on
its thermochemical characteristics. The structural and morphological
characteristics of κ-carrageenan were determined using scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) while the composition, molecular weight
and thermal properties were determined using attenuated total
reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), gel
permeation chromatography (GPC), thermal gravimetric analysis
(TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further chemical
analysis was done using hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H
NMR) and functional characteristics in terms of biocompatibility
were evaluated using cytotoxicity test.
Abstract: Reinforced concrete has good durability and excellent structural performance. But there are cases of early deterioration due to a number of factors, one prominent factor being corrosion of steel reinforcement. The process of corrosion sets in due to ingress of moisture, oxygen and other ingredients into the body of concrete, which is unsound, permeable and absorbent. Cracks due to structural and other causes such as creep, shrinkage, etc also allow ingress of moisture and other harmful ingredients and thus accelerate the rate of corrosion. There are several interactive factors both external and internal, which lead to corrosion of reinforcement and ultimately failure of structures. Suitable addition of mineral admixture like silica fume (SF) in concrete improves the strength and durability of concrete due to considerable improvement in the microstructure of concrete composites, especially at the transition zone. Secondary reinforcement in the form of fibre is added to concrete, which provides three dimensional random reinforcement in the entire mass of concrete. Reinforced concrete beams of size 0.1 m X 0.15 m and length 1m have been cast using M 35 grade of concrete. The beams after curing process were subjected to corrosion process by impressing an external Direct Current (Galvanostatic Method) for a period of 15 days under stressed and unstressed conditions. The corroded beams were tested by applying two point loads to determine the ultimate load carrying capacity and cracking pattern and the results of specimens were compared with that of the companion specimens. Gravimetric method is used to quantify corrosion that has occurred.
Abstract: Ultrasound is useful in demonstrating bone mineral
density of regenerating osseous tissue as well as structural alterations.
A proposed ultrasound method, which included ultrasonography and
acoustic parameters measurement, was employed to evaluate its
efficacy in monitoring the bone callus changes in a rabbit tibial
distraction osteogenesis (DO) model.
The findings demonstrated that ultrasonographic images depicted
characteristic changes of the bone callus, typical of histology findings,
during the distraction phase. Follow-up acoustic parameters
measurement of the bone callus, including speed of sound, reflection
and attenuation, showed significant linear changes over time during
the distraction phase. The acoustic parameters obtained during the
distraction phase also showed moderate to strong correlation with
consolidated bone callus density and micro-architecture measured by
micro-computed tomography at the end of the consolidation phase.
The results support the preferred use of ultrasound imaging in the
early monitoring of bone callus changes during DO treatment.
Abstract: Structural and UV/Visible optical properties can be
useful to describe a material for the CIGS solar cell active layer,
therefore, this work demonstrates the properties like surface
morphology, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) bonding
energy (EB) core level spectra, UV/Visible absorption spectra,
refractive index (n), optical energy band (Eg), reflection spectra for
the Cu25 (In16Ga9) Se40Te10 (CIGST-1) and Cu20 (In14Ga9) Se45Te12
(CIGST-2) chalcogenide compositions. Materials have been
exhibited homogenous surface morphologies, broading /-or diffusion
of bonding energy peaks relative elemental values and a high
UV/Visible absorption tendency in the wave length range 400 nm-
850 nm range with the optical energy band gaps 1.37 and 1.42
respectively. Subsequently, UV/Visible reflectivity property in the
wave length range 250 nm to 320 nm for these materials has also
been discussed.