Abstract: This study estimates the seismic demands of tall
buildings with central symmetric setbacks by using nonlinear time
history analysis. Three setback structures, all 60-story high with
setback in three levels, are used for evaluation. The effects of
irregularities occurred by setback are evaluated by determination of
global-drift, story-displacement and story drift. Story-displacement is
modified by roof displacement and first story displacement and story
drift is modified by global drift. All results are calculated at the
center of mass and in x and y direction. Also the absolute values of
these quantities are determined. The results show that increasing of
vertical irregularities increases the global drift of the structure and
enlarges the deformations in the height of the structure. It is also
observed that the effects of geometry irregularity in the seismic
deformations of setback structures are higher than those of mass
irregularity.
Abstract: Future mobile networks following 5th generation will
be characterized by one thousand times higher gains in capacity;
connections for at least one hundred billion devices; user experience
capable of extremely low latency and response times. To be close to
the capacity requirements and higher reliability, advanced
technologies have been studied, such as multiple connectivity, small
cell enhancement, heterogeneous networking, and advanced
interference and mobility management. This paper is focused on the
multiple connectivity in heterogeneous cellular networks. We
investigate the performance of coverage and user throughput in several
deployment scenarios. Using the stochastic geometry approach, the
SINR distributions and the coverage probabilities are derived in case
of dual connection. Also, to compare the user throughput enhancement
among the deployment scenarios, we calculate the spectral efficiency
and discuss our results.
Abstract: In this study, the root of the name Lykaonia and the geographical area defined as Lykaonia Region are mentioned. In this context, information concerning the settlements of Paleolithic Age, Neolithic Age and Chalcolithic Age are given place. Particularly the settlements belonging to Classical Age are localized and brief information about the history of these settlements is provided. In the light of this information, roads of Antique period in the region are evaluated.
Abstract: For a bluff body, dimples behave like roughness
elements in stimulating a turbulent boundary layer, leading to delayed
flow separation, a smaller wake and lower form drag. This is very
different in principle from the application of dimples to streamlined
body, where any reduction in drag would be predominantly due to a
reduction in skin friction. In the present work, a car model with
different dimple geometry is simulated using k-ε turbulence modeling
to determine its effect to the aerodynamics performance. Overall, the
results show that the application of dimples manages to reduce the
drag coefficient of the car model.
Abstract: Blueberries are widely valued for their high content in
phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, and hence beneficial
for the human health. In this way, a study was done to determine the
phenolic composition (total phenols, anthocyanins and tannins) and
antioxidant activity of blueberries from three cultivars (Duke,
Bluecrop, and Ozarkblue) grown in two different Portuguese farms.
Initially two successive extractions were done with methanol
followed by two extractions with aqueous acetone solutions. These
extracts obtained were then used to evaluate the amount of phenolic
compounds and the antioxidant activity. The total phenols were
observed to vary from 4.9 to 8.2 mg GAE/g fresh weight, with
anthocyanin’s contents in the range 1.5-2.8 mg EMv3G/g and tannins
contents in the range 1.5- 3.8 mg/g. The results for antioxidant
activity ranged from 9.3 to 23.2 molTE/g and from 24.7 to 53.4molTE/g, when measured, respectively, by DPPH and ABTS
methods. In conclusion it was observed that, in general, the cultivar
had a visible effect on the phenols present, and furthermore, the
geographical origin showed relevance either in the phenols contents
or the antioxidant activity.
Abstract: In this paper, groundwater seepage into Amirkabir
tunnel has been estimated using analytical and numerical methods for
14 different sections of the tunnel. Site Groundwater Rating (SGR)
method also has been performed for qualitative and quantitative
classification of the tunnel sections. The obtained results of above
mentioned methods were compared together. The study shows
reasonable accordance with results of the all methods unless for two
sections of tunnel. In these two sections there are some significant
discrepancies between numerical and analytical results mainly
originated from model geometry and high overburden. SGR and the
analytical and numerical calculations, confirm high concentration of
seepage inflow in fault zones. Maximum seepage flow into tunnel has
been estimated 0.425 lit/sec/m using analytical method and 0.628
lit/sec/m using numerical method occured in crashed zone. Based on
SGR method, six sections of 14 sections in Amirkabir tunnel axis are
found to be in "No Risk" class that is supported by the analytical and
numerical seepage value of less than 0.04 lit/sec/m.
Abstract: Maize constitutes a major agrarian production for use
by the vast population but despite its economic importance; it has not
been produced to meet the economic needs of the country. Achieving
optimum yield in maize can meaningfully be supported by land
suitability analysis in order to guarantee self-sufficiency for future
production optimization. This study examines land suitability for
maize production through the analysis of the physicochemical
variations in soil properties and other land attributes over space using
a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework.
Physicochemical parameters of importance selected include slope,
landuse, physical and chemical properties of the soil, and climatic
variables. Landsat imagery was used to categorize the landuse,
Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapping (SRTM) generated the slope and
soil samples were analyzed for its physical and chemical components.
Suitability was categorized into highly, moderately and marginally
suitable based on Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
classification, using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
technique of GIS. This result can be used by small scale farmers for
efficient decision making in the allocation of land for maize
production.
Abstract: The object of the present paper is to investigate several
general families of bilinear and bilateral generating functions with
different argument for the Gauss’ hypergeometric polynomials.
Abstract: Although there had been a many studies that shows
the impact of air pollution on physical health, comparatively less was
known of human behavioral responses and annoyance impacts.
Annoyance caused by air pollution is a public health problem because
it can be an ambient stressor causing stress and disease and can affect
quality of life. The objective of this work is to evaluate the
annoyance caused by air pollution in two different industrialized
urban areas, Dunkirk (France) and Vitoria (Brazil). The populations
of these cities often report feeling annoyed by dust. Surveys were
conducted, and the collected data were analyzed using statistical
analyses. The results show that sociodemographic variables,
importance of air quality, perceived industrial risk, perceived air
pollution and occurrence of health problems play important roles in
the perceived annoyance. These results show the existence of a
common problem in geographically distant areas and allow
stakeholders to develop prevention strategies.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the vehicle routing problem
with mixed fleet of conventional and heterogenous electric vehicles
and time dependent charging costs, denoted VRP-HFCC, in which
a set of geographically scattered customers have to be served by a
mixed fleet of vehicles composed of a heterogenous fleet of Electric
Vehicles (EVs), having different battery capacities and operating
costs, and Conventional Vehicles (CVs). We include the possibility
of charging EVs in the available charging stations during the routes
in order to serve all customers. Each charging station offers charging
service with a known technology of chargers and time dependent
charging costs. Charging stations are also subject to operating time
windows constraints. EVs are not necessarily compatible with all
available charging technologies and a partial charging is allowed.
Intermittent charging at the depot is also allowed provided that
constraints related to the electricity grid are satisfied.
The objective is to minimize the number of employed vehicles and
then minimize the total travel and charging costs.
In this study, we present a Mixed Integer Programming Model and
develop a Charging Routing Heuristic and a Local Search Heuristic
based on the Inject-Eject routine with different insertion methods. All
heuristics are tested on real data instances.
Abstract: Our goal is development of an algorithm capable of
predicting the directional trend of the Standard and Poor’s 500 index
(S&P 500). Extensive research has been published attempting to
predict different financial markets using historical data testing on an
in-sample and trend basis, with many authors employing excessively
complex mathematical techniques. In reviewing and evaluating these
in-sample methodologies, it became evident that this approach was
unable to achieve sufficiently reliable prediction performance for
commercial exploitation. For these reasons, we moved to an out-ofsample
strategy based on linear regression analysis of an extensive
set of financial data correlated with historical closing prices of the
S&P 500. We are pleased to report a directional trend accuracy of
greater than 55% for tomorrow (t+1) in predicting the S&P 500.
Abstract: The planning of geological survey works is an
iterative process which involves planner, geologist, civil engineer and
other stakeholders, who perform different roles and have different
points of view. Traditionally, the team used paper maps or CAD
drawings to present the proposal which is not an efficient way to
present and share idea on the site investigation proposal such as
sitting of borehole location or seismic survey lines. This paper
focuses on how a GIS approach can be utilised to develop a webbased
system to support decision making process in the planning of
geological survey works and also to plan site activities carried out by
Singapore Geological Office (SGO). The authors design a framework
of building an interactive web-based GIS system, and develop a
prototype, which enables the users to obtain rapidly existing
geological information and also to plan interactively borehole
locations and seismic survey lines via a web browser. This prototype
system is used daily by SGO and has shown to be effective in
increasing efficiency and productivity as the time taken in the
planning of geological survey works is shortened. The prototype
system has been developed using the ESRI ArcGIS API 3.7 for Flex
which is based on the ArcGIS 10.2.1 platform.
Abstract: Vehicular Adhoc Network (VANET) is a new
technology which aims to ensure intelligent inter-vehicle
communications, seamless internet connectivity leading to improved
road safety, essential alerts, and access to comfort and entertainment.
VANET operations are hindered by mobile node’s (vehicles)
uncertain mobility. Routing algorithms use metrics to evaluate which
path is best for packets to travel. Metrics like path length (hop count),
delay, reliability, bandwidth, and load determine optimal route. The
proposed scheme exploits link quality, traffic density, and
intersections as routing metrics to determine next hop. This study
enhances Geographical Routing Protocol (GRP) using fuzzy
controllers while rules are optimized with Bee Swarm Optimization
(BSO). Simulations results are compared to conventional GRP.
Abstract: The development of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
into a regional trade, tourism, finance and logistics hub has
transformed its real estate markets. However, speculative activity and
price volatility remain concerns. UAE residential market values
(MV) are exposed to fluctuations in capital flows and migration
which, in turn, are affected by geopolitical uncertainty, oil price
volatility and global investment market sentiment. Internally, a
complex interplay between administrative boundaries, land tenure,
building quality and evolving location characteristics fragments UAE
residential property markets. In short, the UAE Residential Valuation
System (UAE-RVS) confronts multiple challenges to collect, filter
and analyze relevant information in complex and dynamic spatial and
capital markets. A robust (RVS) can mitigate the risk of unhelpful
volatility, speculative excess or investment mistakes. The research
outlines the institutional, ontological, dynamic and epistemological
issues at play. We highlight the importance of system capabilities,
valuation standard salience and stakeholders trust.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose an intelligent system that is
used for monitoring the health conditions of patients. Monitoring the
health condition of patients is a complex problem that involves
different medical units and requires continuous monitoring especially
in rural areas because of inadequate number of available specialized
physicians. The proposed system will improve patient care and drive
costs down comparing to the existing system in Jordan. The proposed
system will be the start point to faster and improve the
communication between different units in the health system in
Jordan. Connecting patients and their physicians beyond hospital
doors regarding their geographical area is an important issue in
developing the health system in Jordan. The ability of making
medical decisions, the quality of medical is expected to be improved.
Abstract: As the use of geothermal energy grows internationally
more effort is required to monitor and protect areas with rare and
important geothermal surface features. A number of approaches are
presented for developing and calibrating numerical geothermal
reservoir models that are capable of accurately representing
geothermal surface features. The approaches are discussed in the
context of cases studies of the Rotorua geothermal system and the
Orakei-korako geothermal system, both of which contain important
surface features. The results show that models are able to match the
available field data accurately and hence can be used as valuable
tools for predicting the future response of the systems to changes in
use.
Abstract: Generally the natural environment is made up of air,
water and soil. The release of emission of industrial waste into
anyone of the components of the environment causes pollution.
Industrial pollution significantly threatens the inherent right of
people, to the enjoyment of a safe and secure environment. The aim
of this paper is to assess the effect of environmental pollution and
health risks of residents living near Ewekoro cement factory. The
research made use of IKONOS imagery for Geographical
Information System (GIS) to buffer and extract buildings that are less
than 1km to the factory, within 1km to 5km and above 5km to the
factory. Also questionnaire was used to elicit information on the
socio-economic factors, effect of environmental pollution on
residents and measures adopted to control industrial pollution on the
residents. Findings show that most buildings that fall between less
than 1km and 1km to 5km to the factory have high health risk in the
study area. The study recommended total relocation for the residents
of the study area to reduce health risk problems.
Abstract: Geometric and mechanical properties all influence the
resistance of RC structures and may, in certain combination of
property values, increase the risk of a brittle failure of the whole
system.
This paper presents a statistical and probabilistic investigation on
the resistance of RC beams designed according to Eurocodes 2 and 8,
and subjected to multiple failure modes, under both the natural
variation of material properties and the uncertainty associated with
cross-section and transverse reinforcement geometry. A full
probabilistic model based on JCSS Probabilistic Model Code is
derived. Different beams are studied through material nonlinear
analysis via Monte Carlo simulations. The resistance model is
consistent with Eurocode 2. Both a multivariate statistical evaluation
and the data clustering analysis of outcomes are then performed.
Results show that the ultimate load behaviour of RC beams
subjected to flexural and shear failure modes seems to be mainly
influenced by the combination of the mechanical properties of both
longitudinal reinforcement and stirrups, and the tensile strength of
concrete, of which the latter appears to affect the overall response of
the system in a nonlinear way. The model uncertainty of the
resistance model used in the analysis plays undoubtedly an important
role in interpreting results.
Abstract: The study examined the effect of Bonny Light whole
crude oil (WC) and its water soluble fraction (WSF) on the activities
of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase
(SOD)) and crude mitochondria ATPases in the radicle of
germinating bean (Vigna unguiculata). The percentage germination,
level of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme and mitochondria
Ca2+ and Mg2+ ATPase activities were measured in the radicle of
bean after 7, 14 and 21 days post germination. Viable bean seeds
were planted in soils contaminated with 10ml, 25ml and 50ml of
whole crude oil (WC) and its water soluble fraction (WSF) to obtain
2, 5 and 10% v/w crude oil contamination. There was dose dependent
reduction of the number of bean seeds that germinated in the
contaminated soils compared with control (p
Abstract: A knowledge-based expert system with the acronym
RASPE is developed as an application tool to help decision makers in
construction companies make informed decisions about managing
risks in pipeline construction projects. Choosing to use expert
systems from all available artificial intelligence techniques is due to
the fact that an expert system is more suited to representing a
domain’s knowledge and the reasoning behind domain-specific
decisions. The knowledge-based expert system can capture the
knowledge in the form of conditional rules which represent various
project scenarios and potential risk mitigation/response actions. The
built knowledge in RASPE is utilized through the underlying
inference engine that allows the firing of rules relevant to a project
scenario into consideration. Paper provides an overview of the
knowledge acquisition process and goes about describing the
knowledge structure which is divided up into four major modules.
The paper shows one module in full detail for illustration purposes
and concludes with insightful remarks.