Abstract: The health care must be a right for people around the
world, but in order to guarantee the access to all, it is necessary to
overcome geographical barriers. Telemedicine take advantage of
Information Communication Technologies to deploy health care
services around the world. To achieve those goals, it is necessary to
use existing last mile solution to create access for home users, which
is why is necessary to establish the channel characteristics for those
kinds of services. This paper presents an analysis of network
performance of last mile solution for the use of IPTV broadcasting
with the application of streaming for telemedicine apps.
Abstract: This paper develops a multiple channel assignment
model, which allows to take advantage of spectrum opportunities in
cognitive radio networks in the most efficient way. The developed
scheme allows making several assignments of available and
frequency adjacent channel, which require a bigger bandwidth, under
an equality environment. The hybrid assignment model it is made by
two algorithms, one that makes the ranking and selects available
frequency channels and the other one in charge of establishing the
Max-Min Fairness for not restrict the spectrum opportunities for all
the other secondary users, who also claim to make transmissions.
Measurements made were done for average bandwidth, average
delay, as well as fairness computation for several channel
assignments. Reached results were evaluated with experimental
spectrum occupational data from captured GSM frequency band. The
developed model shows evidence of improvement in spectrum
opportunity use and a wider average transmission bandwidth for each
secondary user, maintaining equality criteria in channel assignment.
Abstract: Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most commercially
available bio-based and biodegradable plastic at present. PLA has
been used in plastic related industries including single-used
containers, disposable and environmentally friendly packaging owing
to its renewability, compostability, biodegradability, and safety.
Although PLA demonstrates reasonably good optical, physical,
mechanical and barrier properties comparable to the existing
petroleum-based plastics, its brittleness and mold shrinkage as well as
its price are the points to be concerned for the production of rigid and
semi-rigid packaging. Blending PLA with other bio-based polymers
including thermoplastic starch (TPS) is an alternative not only to
achieve a complete bio-based plastic, but also to reduce the
brittleness, shrinkage during molding and production cost of the
PLA-based products. TPS is a material produced mainly from starch
which is cheap, renewable, biodegradable, compostable, and nontoxic.
It is commonly prepared by a plasticization of starch under
applying heat and shear force. Although glycerol has been reported as
one of the most plasticizers used for preparing TPS, its migration
caused the surface stickiness of the TPS products. In some cases,
mixed plasticizers or natural fibers have been applied to impede the
retrogradation of starch or reduce the migration of glycerol. The
introduction of fibers into TPS-based materials could reinforce the
polymer matrix as well. Therefore, the objective of the present
research is to study the effect of starch type (i.e. native starch and
phosphate starch), plasticizer type (i.e. glycerol and xylitol with a
weight ratio of glycerol to xylitol of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and
0:100) and fiber content (i.e. in the range of 1-25 %wt) on properties
of PLA/TPS blend and composite. PLA/TPS blends and composites
were prepared using a twin-screw extruder and then converted into
dumbbell-shaped specimens using an injection molding machine. The
PLA/TPS blends prepared by using phosphate starch showed higher
tensile strength and stiffness than the blends prepared by using native
one. In contrast, the blends from native starch exhibited higher
extensibility and heat distortion temperature (HDT) than those from
the modified starch. Increasing xylitol content resulted in enhanced
tensile strength, stiffness and water resistance, but decreased
extensibility and HDT of the PLA/TPS blend. Tensile properties and
hydrophobicity of the blend could be improved by incorporating
silane treated-jute fibers.
Abstract: We consider the problem of stabilization of an unstable
heat equation in a 2-D, 3-D and generally n-D domain by deriving a
generalized backstepping boundary control design methodology. To
stabilize the systems, we design boundary backstepping controllers
inspired by the 1-D unstable heat equation stabilization procedure.
We assume that one side of the boundary is hinged and the other
side is controlled for each direction of the domain. Thus, controllers
act on two boundaries for 2-D domain, three boundaries for 3-D
domain and ”n” boundaries for n-D domain. The main idea of the
design is to derive ”n” controllers for each of the dimensions by
using ”n” kernel functions. Thus, we obtain ”n” controllers for the
”n” dimensional case. We use a transformation to change the system
into an exponentially stable ”n” dimensional heat equation. The
transformation used in this paper is a generalized Volterra/Fredholm
type with ”n” kernel functions for n-D domain instead of the one
kernel function of 1-D design.
Abstract: The need to save time and cost of soil testing at the
planning stage of road work has necessitated developing predictive
models. This study proposes a model for predicting the dry density of
lateritic soils stabilized with corn cob ash (CCA) and blended cement
- CCA. Lateritic soil was first stabilized with CCA at 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and
6% of the weight of soil and then stabilized with the same
proportions as replacement for cement. Dry density, specific gravity,
maximum degree of saturation and moisture content were determined
for each stabilized soil specimen, following standard procedure.
Polynomial equations containing alpha and beta parameters for CCA
and blended CCA-cement were developed. Experimental values were
correlated with the values predicted from the Matlab curve fitting
tool, and the Solver function of Microsoft Excel 2010. The correlation
coefficient (R2) of 0.86 was obtained indicating that the model could
be accepted in predicting the maximum dry density of CCA stabilized
soils to facilitate quick decision making in roadworks.
Abstract: It is well-known that, using principal weak flatness
property, some important monoids are characterized, such as regular
monoids, left almost regular monoids, and so on. In this article, we
define a generalization of principal weak flatness called GP-Flatness,
and will characterize monoids by this property of their right (Rees
factor) acts. Also we investigate new classes of monoids called
generally regular monoids and generally left almost regular monoids.
Abstract: In this paper, a asymptotically periodic predator-prey
model with Modified Leslie-Gower and Holling-Type II schemes
is investigated. Some sufficient conditions for the uniformly strong
persistence of the system are established. Our result is an important
complementarity to the earlier results.
Abstract: The aim of the performed work is to establish the 2D
and 3D model of direct unsteady task of sample heat treatment by
moving source employing computer model on the basis of finite
element method. Complex boundary condition on heat loaded sample
surface is the essential feature of the task. Computer model describes
heat treatment of the sample during heat source movement over the
sample surface. It is started from 2D task of sample cross section as a
basic model. Possibilities of extension from 2D to 3D task are
discussed. The effect of the addition of third model dimension on
temperature distribution in the sample is showed. Comparison of
various model parameters on the sample temperatures is observed.
Influence of heat source motion on the depth of material heat
treatment is shown for several velocities of the movement. Presented
computer model is prepared for the utilization in laser treatment of
machine parts.
Abstract: Zinc borate is an important inorganic hydrate borate
material, which can be used as a flame retardant agent and corrosion
resistance material. This compound can loss its structural water
content at higher than 290°C. Due to thermal stability; Zinc Borate
can be used as flame retardant at high temperature process of plastic
and gum. In this study, the ultrasonic reaction of zinc borates were
studied using hydrozincite (Zn5(CO3)2·(OH)6) and boric acid
(H3BO3) raw materials. Before the synthesis raw materials were
characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Ultrasonic method is a new
application on the zinc borate synthesis. The synthesis parameters
were set to 90°C reaction temperature and 55 minutes of reaction
time, with 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 molar ratio of starting materials
(Zn5(CO3)2·(OH)6 : H3BO3). After the zinc borate synthesis, the
products were analyzed by XRD and FT-IR. As a result, optimum
molar ratio of 1:5 is determined for the synthesis of zinc borates with
ultrasonic method.
Abstract: This paper highlights an innovative and nontraditional
violence prevention program that is making a noticeable impact in
what was once one of the country’s most violent communities. With
unique and tailored strategies, the Operation Peacemaker Fellowship,
established in Richmond, California, combines components of
evidence-based practices with a community-oriented focus on
relationships and mentoring to fill a gap in services and increase
community safety. In an effort to highlight these unique strategies
and provide a blueprint for other communities with violent crime
problems, the authors of this paper hope to clearly delineate how one
community is moving forward with vanguard approaches to invest in
the lives of young men who once were labeled their community’s
most violent, even most deadly, youth. The impact of this program is
evidenced through the fellows’ own voices as they illuminate the
experience of being in the Fellowship. In interviews, fellows describe
how participating in this program has transformed their lives and the
lives of those they love. The authors of this article spent more than
two years researching this Fellowship program in order to conduct an
evaluation of it and, ultimately, to demonstrate how this program is a
testament to the power of relationships and love combined with
evidence-based practices, consequently enriching the lives of youth
and the community that embraces them.
Abstract: Since the last decade, there has been a rapid growth in
digital multimedia, such as high-resolution media files and threedimentional
movies. Hence, there is a need for large digital storage
such as Hard Disk Drive (HDD). As such, users expect to have a
quieter HDD in their laptop. In this paper, a jury test has been
conducted on a group of 34 people where 17 of them are students
who are the potential consumer, and the remaining are engineers who
know the HDD. A total 13 HDD sound samples have been selected
from over hundred HDD noise recordings. These samples are
selected based on an agreed subjective feeling. The samples are
played to the participants using head acoustic playback system, which
enabled them to experience as similar as possible the same
environment as have been recorded. Analysis has been conducted and
the obtained results have indicated different group has different
perception over the noises. Two neural network-based acoustic
annoyance models are established based on back propagation neural
network. Four psychoacoustic metrics, loudness, sharpness,
roughness and fluctuation strength, are used as the input of the
model, and the subjective evaluation results are taken as the output.
The developed models are reasonably accurate in simulating both
training and test samples.
Abstract: Cholera is a disease that is predominately common in
developing countries due to poor sanitation and overcrowding
population. In this paper, a deterministic model for the dynamics of
cholera is developed and control measures such as health educational
message, therapeutic treatment, and vaccination are incorporated in
the model. The effective reproduction number is computed in terms
of the model parameters. The existence and stability of the
equilibrium states, disease free and endemic equilibrium states are
established and showed to be locally and globally asymptotically
stable when R0 < 1 and R0 > 1 respectively. The existence of
backward bifurcation of the model is investigated. Furthermore,
numerical simulation of the model developed is carried out to show
the impact of the control measures and the result indicates that
combined control measures will help to reduce the spread of cholera
in the population.
Abstract: Rice Husk (RH) is the major byproduct in the
processing of paddy rice. The management of this waste has become
a big challenge to some of the rice producers, some of these wastes
are left in open dumps while some are burn in the open space, and
these two actions have been contributing to environmental pollution.
This study evaluates an alternative waste management of this
agricultural product for use as a civil engineering material. The RH
was burn in a controlled environment to form Rice Husk Ash (RHA).
The RHA was mix with lateritic clay at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%
proportion by weight. Chemical test was conducted on the open burn
and controlled burn RHA with the lateritic clay. Physical test such as
particle size distribution, Atterberg limits test, and density test were
carried out on the mix material. The chemical composition obtained
for the RHA showed that the total percentage compositions of Fe2O3,
SiO2 and Al2O3 were found to be above 70% (class “F” pozzolan)
which qualifies it as a very good pozzolan. The coefficient of
uniformity (Cu) was 8 and coefficient of curvature (Cc) was 2 for the
soil sample. The Plasticity Index (PI) for the 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. 10% was
21.0, 18.8, 16.7, 14.4, 12.4 and 10.7 respectively. The work
concluded that RHA can be effectively used in hydraulic barriers and
as a stabilizing agent in soil stabilization.
Abstract: Current study established for EEG signal analysis in
patients with language disorder. Language disorder can be defined as
meaningful delay in the use or understanding of spoken or written
language. The disorder can include the content or meaning of
language, its form, or its use. Here we applied Z-score, power
spectrum, and coherence methods to discriminate the language
disorder data from healthy ones. Power spectrum of each channel in
alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and theta frequency bands was measured.
In addition, intra hemispheric Z-score obtained by scoring algorithm.
Obtained results showed high Z-score and power spectrum in
posterior regions. Therefore, we can conclude that peoples with
language disorder have high brain activity in frontal region of brain
in comparison with healthy peoples. Results showed that high coherence correlates with irregularities
in the ERP and is often found during complex task, whereas low
coherence is often found in pathological conditions. The results of the
Z-score analysis of the brain dynamics showed higher Z-score peak
frequency in delta, theta and beta sub bands of Language Disorder
patients. In this analysis there were activity signs in both hemispheres
and the left-dominant hemisphere was more active than the right.
Abstract: Ceramic obtained on the base of aluminum oxide has
wide application range, because it has unique properties, for example,
wear-resistance, dielectric characteristics, and exploitation ability at
high temperatures and in corrosive atmosphere. Low temperature
synthesis of α-Al2O3 is energo-economical process and it is topical
for developing technologies of corundum ceramics fabrication. In the present work possibilities of low temperature transformation
of oxyhydroxides in α-Al2O3, during the presence of small amount of
rare–earth elements compounds (also Th, Re), have been discussed.
Aluminum unstable oxyhydroxides have been obtained by hydrolysis
of aluminium isopropoxide, nitrates, sulphate, and chloride in
alkaline environment at 80-90ºC temperatures. β-Al(OH)3 has been
received from aluminum powder by ultrasonic development. Drying
of oxyhydroxide sol has been conducted with presence of various
types seeds, which amount reaches 0,1-0,2% (mas). Neodymium,
holmium, thorium, lanthanum, cerium, gadolinium, disprosium
nitrates and rhenium carbonyls have been used as seeds and they
have been added to the sol specimens in amount of 0.1-0.2% (mas)
calculated on metals. Annealing of obtained gels is carried out at 70–
1100ºC for 2 hrs. The same specimen transforms in α-Al2O3 at
1100ºC. At this temperature in case of presence of lanthanum and
gadolinium transformation takes place by 70-85%. In case of
presence of thorium stabilization of γ-and θ-phases takes place. It is
established, that thorium causes inhibition of α-phase generation at
1100ºC, and at the time when in all other doped specimens α-phase is
generated at lower temperatures (1000-1050ºC). Synthesis of various
type compounds and simultaneous consolidation has developed in the
furnace of OXY-GON. Composite materials containing oxide and
non-oxide components close to theoretical data have been obtained in
this furnace respectively. During the work the following devices have
been used: X-ray diffractometer DRON-3M (Cu-Kα, Ni filter,
2º/min), High temperature vacuum furnace OXY-GON, electronic
scanning microscopes Nikon ECLIPSE LV 150, NMM-800TRF,
planetary mill Pulverisette 7 premium line, SHIMADZU Dynamic
Ultra Micro Hardness Tester, DUH-211S, Analysette 12 Dyna sizer.
Abstract: The knitted fabric suffers a deformation in its
dimensions due to stretching and tension factors, transverse and
longitudinal respectively, during the process in rectilinear knitting
machines so it performs a dry relaxation shrinkage procedure and
thermal action of prefixed to obtain stable conditions in the knitting.
This paper presents a dry relaxation shrinkage prediction of Bordeaux
fiber using a feed forward neural network and linear regression
models. Six operational alternatives of shrinkage were predicted. A
comparison of the results was performed finding neural network
models with higher levels of explanation of the variability and
prediction. The presence of different reposes is included. The models
were obtained through a neural toolbox of Matlab and Minitab
software with real data in a knitting company of Southern
Guanajuato. The results allow predicting dry relaxation shrinkage of
each alternative operation.
Abstract: This paper studies a mathematical model based on the
integral equations for dynamic analyzes numerical investigations of a
non-uniform or multi-material composite beam. The beam is
subjected to a sub-tangential follower force and elastic foundation.
The boundary conditions are represented by generalized
parameterized fixations by the linear and rotary springs. A
mathematical formula based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is
presented for beams with variable cross-sections. The non-uniform
section introduces non-uniformity in the rigidity and inertia of beams
and consequently, more complicated equilibrium who governs the
equation. Using the boundary element method and radial basis
functions, the equation of motion is reduced to an algebro-differential
system related to internal and boundary unknowns. A generalized
formula for the deflection, the slope, the moment and the shear force
are presented. The free vibration of non-uniform loaded beams is
formulated in a compact matrix form and all needed matrices are
explicitly given. The dynamic stability analysis of slender beam is
illustrated numerically based on the coalescence criterion. A realistic
case related to an industrial chimney is investigated.
Abstract: Asphalt concrete pavements have a short life cycle,
failing mainly due to temperature changes, traffic loading and ageing.
Modified asphalt mixtures provide the technology to produce a
bituminous binder with improved viscoelastic properties, which
remain in balance over a wider temperature range and loading
conditions. In this research, 60/70 penetration grade asphalt binder
was modified by adding 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 percent by weight of asphalt
binder following the wet process and the mineral aggregate was
modified by adding 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 percent crumb rubber by volume
of the mineral aggregate following the dry process. The LDPE
modified asphalt binder rheological properties were evaluated. The
laboratory results showed an increase in viscosity, softening point
and stiffness of the binder. The modified asphalt was then used in
preparing asphalt mixtures by Marshall Mix design procedure. The
Marshall Stability values for mixes containing 2% crumb rubber and
4% LDPE were found to be 30% higher than the conventional asphalt
concrete mix.
Abstract: This paper describes a sliding mode controller for
autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The dynamic of AUV
model is highly nonlinear because of many factors, such as
hydrodynamic drag, damping, and lift forces, Coriolis and centripetal
forces, gravity and buoyancy forces, as well as forces from thruster.
To address these difficulties, a nonlinear sliding mode controller is
designed to approximate the nonlinear dynamics of AUV and
improve trajectory tracking. Moreover, the proposed controller can
profoundly attenuate the effects of uncertainties and external
disturbances in the closed-loop system. Using the Lyapunov theory
the boundedness of AUV tracking errors and the stability of the
proposed control system are also guaranteed. Numerical simulation
studies of an AUV are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the
presented approach.
Abstract: Radiative heat transfer in participating medium was
carried out using the finite volume method. The radiative transfer
equations are formulated for absorbing and anisotropically scattering
and emitting medium. The solution strategy is discussed and the
conditions for computational stability are conferred. The equations
have been solved for transient radiative medium and transient
radiation incorporated with transient conduction. Results have been
obtained for irradiation and corresponding heat fluxes for both the
cases. The solutions can be used to conclude incident energy and
surface heat flux. Transient solutions were obtained for a slab of heat
conducting in slab and by thermal radiation. The effect of heat
conduction during the transient phase is to partially equalize the
internal temperature distribution. The solution procedure provides
accurate temperature distributions in these regions. A finite volume
procedure with variable space and time increments is used to solve
the transient radiation equation. The medium in the enclosure
absorbs, emits, and anisotropically scatters radiative energy. The
incident radiations and the radiative heat fluxes are presented in
graphical forms. The phase function anisotropy plays a significant
role in the radiation heat transfer when the boundary condition is
non-symmetric.