Search results for: Peter D’Alessandro
491 Self-Tuning Robot Control Based on Subspace Identification
Authors: Mathias Marquardt, Peter Dünow, Sandra Baßler
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The paper describes the use of subspace based identification methods for auto tuning of a state space control system. The plant is an unstable but self balancing transport robot. Because of the unstable character of the process it has to be identified from closed loop input-output data. Based on the identified model a state space controller combined with an observer is calculated. The subspace identification algorithm and the controller design procedure is combined to a auto tuning method. The capability of the approach was verified in a simulation experiments under different process conditions.Keywords: auto tuning, balanced robot, closed loop identification, subspace identification
Procedia PDF Downloads 380490 Deficits and Solutions in the Development of Modular Factory Systems
Authors: Achim Kampker, Peter Burggräf, Moritz Krunke, Hanno Voet
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As a reaction to current challenges in factory planning, many companies think about introducing factory standards to lower planning times and decrease planning costs. If these factory standards are set-up with a high level of modularity, they are defined as modular factory systems. This paper deals with the main current problems in the application of modular factory systems in practice and presents a solution approach with its basic models. The methodology is based on methods from factory planning but also uses the tools of other disciplines like product development or technology management to deal with the high complexity, which the development of modular factory systems implies. The four basic models that such a methodology has to contain are introduced and pointed out.Keywords: factory planning, modular factory systems, factory standards, cost-benefit analysis
Procedia PDF Downloads 595489 Determining a Suitable Maintenance Measure for Gentelligent Components Using Case-Based Reasoning
Authors: Maximilian Winkens, Peter Nyhuis
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Components with sensory properties such as gentelligent components developed at the Collaborative Research Center 653 offer a new angle on the full utilization of the remaining service life in case of a preventive maintenance. The developed methodology of component status driven maintenance analyses the stress data obtained during the component's useful life and on the basis of this knowledge assesses the type of maintenance called for in this case. The procedure is derived from the case-based reasoning method and will be elucidated in detail. The method's functionality is demonstrated with real-life data obtained during test runs of a racing car prototype.Keywords: gentelligent component, preventive maintenance, case-based reasoning, sensory
Procedia PDF Downloads 362488 Detection of Epinephrine in Chicken Serum at Iron Oxide Screen Print Modified Electrode
Authors: Oluwole Opeyemi Dina, Saheed E. Elugoke, Peter Olutope Fayemi, Omolola E. Fayemi
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This study presents the detection of epinephrine (EP) at Fe₃O₄ modified screen printed silver electrode (SPSE). The iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) prior to the modification of the SPSE. The EP oxidation peak current (Iap) increased with an increase in the concentration of EP as well as the scan rate (from 25 - 400 mVs⁻¹). Using cyclic voltammetry (CV), the relationship between Iap and EP concentration was linear over a range of 3.8 -118.9 µM and 118.9-175 µM with a detection limit of 41.99 µM and 83.16 µM, respectively. Selective detection of EP in the presence of ascorbic acid was also achieved at this electrode.Keywords: screenprint electrode, iron oxide nanoparticle, epinephrine, serum, cyclic voltametry
Procedia PDF Downloads 165487 Phytochemical Evaluation and In-Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Moroccan Lavandula x Intermedia Leaves and Flowers
Authors: Jamila Fliou, Federica Spinola, Ouassima Riffi, Asmaa Zriouel, Ali Amechrouq, Luca Nalbone, Alessandro Giuffrida, Filippo Giarratana
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This study performed a preliminary evaluation of the phytochemical composition and in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Lavandula x intermedia leaves and flowers collected in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco. Phytochemical analyses comprised qualitative colourimetric determinations of alkaloids, anthraquinones, and terpenes and quantitative analysis of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins by UV spectrophotometer. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against different ATCC bacterial strains. The phytochemical analysis showed a high amount of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins in the leaf extract and a higher amount of terpenes based on colourimetric reaction than the flower extract. A positive colourimetric reaction for alkaloids and anthraquinones was detected for both extracts. The antibacterial activity of leaves and flower extract was not different against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains (p<0.05). The results of the present study suggest the possible use of ethanolic extracts of L. x intermedia collected in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco as a natural agent against bacterial pathogens.Keywords: antimicrobial activity, Lavandula spp., lavender, lavandin, UV spectrophotometric analysis
Procedia PDF Downloads 68486 Percolation Transition in an Agglomeration of Spherical Particles
Authors: Johannes J. Schneider, Mathias S. Weyland, Peter Eggenberger Hotz, William D. Jamieson, Oliver Castell, Alessia Faggian, Rudolf M. Füchslin
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Agglomerations of polydisperse systems of spherical particles are created in computer simulations using a simplified stochastic-hydrodynamic model: Particles sink to the bottom of the cylinder, taking into account gravity reduced by the buoyant force, the Stokes friction force, the added mass effect, and random velocity changes. Two types of particles are considered, with one of them being able to create connections to neighboring particles of the same type, thus forming a network within the agglomeration at the bottom of a cylinder. Decreasing the fraction of these particles, a percolation transition occurs. The critical regime is determined by investigating the maximum cluster size and the percolation susceptibility.Keywords: binary system, maximum cluster size, percolation, polydisperse
Procedia PDF Downloads 61485 Nudge Plus: Incorporating Reflection into Behavioural Public Policy
Authors: Sanchayan Banerjee, Peter John
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Nudge plus is a modification of the toolkit of behavioural public policy. It incorporates an element of reflection¾the plus¾into the delivery of a nudge, either blended in or made proximate. Nudge plus builds on recent work combining heuristics and deliberation. It may be used to design pro-social interventions that help preserve the autonomy of the agent. The argument turns on seminal work on dual systems, which presents a subtler relationship between fast and slow thinking than commonly assumed in the classic literature in behavioural public policy. We review classic and recent work on dual processes to show that a hybrid is more plausible than the default interventionist or parallel competitive framework. We define nudge plus, set out what reflection could entail, provide examples, outline causal mechanisms, and draw testable implications.Keywords: nudge, nudge plus, think, dual process theory
Procedia PDF Downloads 192484 PLA Plastic as Biodegradable Material for 3D Printers
Authors: Juraj Beniak, Ľubomír Šooš, Peter Križan, Miloš Matúš
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Within Rapid Prototyping technologies are used many types of materials. Many of them are recyclable but there are still as plastic like, so practically they do not degrade in the landfill. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the special plastic materials which are biodegradable and also available for 3D printing within Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology. The question is, if the mechanical properties of produced models are comparable to similar technical plastic materials which are usual for prototype production. Presented paper shows the experiments results for tensile strength measurements for specimens prepared with different 3D printer settings and model orientation. Paper contains also the comparison of tensile strength values with values measured on specimens produced by conventional technologies as injection moulding.Keywords: 3D printing, biodegradable plastic, fused deposition modeling, PLA plastic, rapid prototyping
Procedia PDF Downloads 416483 Improvement of Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Accuracy by Means of Current Loop Circuit Using Optimal Digital Signal Processing
Authors: Peter A. L’vov, Roman S. Konovalov, Alexey A. L’vov
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The paper presents the advanced digital modification of the conventional current loop circuit for pressure piezoelectric transducers. The optimal DSP algorithms of current loop responses by the maximum likelihood method are applied for diminishing of measurement errors. The loop circuit has some additional advantages such as the possibility to operate with any type of resistance or reactance sensors, and a considerable increase in accuracy and quality of measurements to be compared with AC bridges. The results obtained are dedicated to replace high-accuracy and expensive measuring bridges with current loop circuits.Keywords: current loop, maximum likelihood method, optimal digital signal processing, precise pressure measurement
Procedia PDF Downloads 529482 Pulmonary Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma: A Case Report of a Fibroelastoma Presenting as a Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Frazer Kirk, Matthew Yong, Peter Williams, Andrie Strobel
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Pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma is an exceedingly rare pathology. The experience and literature regarding them are largely anecdotal and based on sporadic, single case reports. Throughout their known history, two features remain salient that they are classically asymptomatic and found incidentally. The demographic profile of those affected is unclear, as reports regarding those affected are mixed, and there is no clear gender or age predominance, although there is some suggestion of a predisposition to affect females. Nor has there been a well-structured epidemiological study of the entity. Interestingly they are becoming more common on peri-mortum examination. Here-after we describe our experience with a symptomatic presentation of pulmonary papillary fibroelastoma masquerading as a pulmonary embolism and its subsequent assessment and management, with intraoperative photography and echocardiography for reference.Keywords: cardiac tumor, pulmonary valve, fibroelastoma, cardiac surgery
Procedia PDF Downloads 220481 Physicochemical Properties of Moringa oleifera Seeds
Authors: Oyewusi Peter Ayodele, Onipede Ayodeji
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Our research focuses on some physicochemical parameters of Moringa Oleifera seed meal and its seed oil to determine its nutritional quality. Proximate, mineral, and vitamin analyses were performed on the defatted seed meal, while fatty acid determination was carried out on the seed oil. The results of the proximate composition show moisture content (3.52 ± 0.01), ash (2.80 ± 0.33), crude fibre (3.92 ± 0.01), protein (42.96 ± 0.05), crude fat (7.04 ± 0.01) and carbohydrate (36.79 ± 0.04). The mineral composition shows that the seed is rich in Ca, K, and Na with 220ppm, 205ppm, and 118ppm, respectively. The seed has vitamins A and C with 2.17 ± 0.01mg/100g and 6.95 ± 0.00 mg/100g respectively. The seed also contains 56.62 %, 38.50 %, and 5.24 % saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. It could be illustrated that Moringa seeds and their oil can be considered potential sources for both dietary and industrial purposes.Keywords: Moringa oleifera seed, chemical composition, fatty acid, proximate, minerals and vitamins compositions
Procedia PDF Downloads 288480 Evaluating the Logistic Performance Capability of Regeneration Processes
Authors: Thorben Kuprat, Julian Becker, Jonas Mayer, Peter Nyhuis
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For years now, it has been recognized that logistic performance capability contributes enormously to a production enterprise’s competitiveness and as such is a critical control lever. In doing so, the orientation on customer wishes (e.g. delivery dates) represents a key parameter not only in the value-adding production but also in product regeneration. Since production and regeneration processes have different characteristics, production planning and control measures cannot be directly transferred to regeneration processes. As part of a special research project, the Institute of Production Systems and Logistics Hannover is focused on increasing the logistic performance capability of regeneration processes for complex capital goods. The aim is to ensure logistic targets are met by implementing a model specifically designed to align the capacities and load in regeneration processes.Keywords: capacity planning, complex capital goods, logistic performance, regeneration process
Procedia PDF Downloads 489479 Theatrical Architecture in Bologna at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century: The Renaissance of Modernissimo Cinema
Authors: Giorgia Predari, Riccardo Gulli
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The paper describes the history and the stylistic choices adopted in the construction of Palazzo Ronzani in Bologna, which was the first building to rise after the heavy demolitions carried out in the historical center of the city at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1910, the local administration adopted a detailed plan to change the aspect of the city, as it was already happening in the main European capitals. In this context, starting from 1911, the architect and scenographer Gualtiero Pontoni designed for Alessandro Ronzani -the owner of a well-known Bolognese beer company- his Palazzo, which is listed among the first multifunctional buildings in Bologna, containing offices, commercial activities, and entertainment spaces. In an area of about 2000 m², the architect was able to propose a theatre with a capacity of 2000 seats at the basement, shops, a cafè-chantant and a restaurant on the ground floor, clubs, studios and commercial stores on the mezzanine and the first plan, and a hotel on the upper floors. The whole core of the building, at the underground levels, consisted of a reinforced concrete frame (one of the first examples of this type of construction in the city), which allowed the hall to have a free span of 11 x 12 meters, and a height of about 9 meters. Used until 2007 as a cinema, the hall has remained then in disuse for almost 10 years, but now an important functional restoration project with a strong architectural and scenographic value is taking place. It will bring the spaces back to the original geometries, in a historical and artistic condition inspired by the styles of the early Twentieth century.Keywords: Modernissimo, Palazzo Ronzani, liberty, Bologna
Procedia PDF Downloads 120478 How Does Improving the Existing DSL Infrastructure Influences the Expansion of Fiber Technology?
Authors: Peter Winzer, Erik Massarczyk
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Experts, enterprises and operators expect that the bandwidth request will increase up to rates of 100 to 1,000 Mbps within several years. Therefore the most important question is, which technology shall satisfy the future consumer broadband demands. Currently the consensus is, that the fiber technology has the best technical characteristics to achieve such the high bandwidth rates. But fiber technology is so far very cost-intensive and resource consuming. To avoid these investments, operators are concentrating to upgrade the existing copper and hybrid fiber coax infrastructures. This work presents a comparison of the copper and fiber technologies including an overview about the current German broadband market. Both technologies are reviewed in the terms of demand, willingness to pay and economic efficiency in connection with the technical characteristics.Keywords: broadband customer demand, fiber development, g.fast, vectoring, willingness to pay for broadband services
Procedia PDF Downloads 469477 Multi-Objective Optimization of an Aerodynamic Feeding System Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Jan Busch, Peter Nyhuis
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Considering the challenges of short product life cycles and growing variant diversity, cost minimization and manufacturing flexibility increasingly gain importance to maintain a competitive edge in today’s global and dynamic markets. In this context, an aerodynamic part feeding system for high-speed industrial assembly applications has been developed at the Institute of Production Systems and Logistics (IFA), Leibniz Universitaet Hannover. The aerodynamic part feeding system outperforms conventional systems with respect to its process safety, reliability, and operating speed. In this paper, a multi-objective optimisation of the aerodynamic feeding system regarding the orientation rate, the feeding velocity and the required nozzle pressure is presented.Keywords: aerodynamic feeding system, genetic algorithm, multi-objective optimization, workpiece orientation
Procedia PDF Downloads 577476 Extending Early High Energy Physics Studies with a Tri-Preon Model
Authors: Peter J. Riley
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Introductory courses in High Energy Physics (HEP) can be extended with the Tri-Preon (TP) model to both supplements and challenge the Standard Model (SM) theory. TP supplements by simplifying the tracking of Conserved Quantum Numbers at an interaction vertex, e.g., the lepton number can be seen as a di-preon current. TP challenges by proposing extended particle families to three generations of particle triplets for leptons, quarks, and weak bosons. There are extensive examples discussed at an introductory level in six arXiv publications, including supersymmetry, hyper color, and the Higgs. Interesting exercises include pion decay, kaon-antikaon mixing, neutrino oscillations, and K+ decay to muons. It is a revealing exercise for students to weigh the pros and cons of parallel theories at an early stage in their HEP journey.Keywords: HEP, particle physics, standard model, Tri-Preon model
Procedia PDF Downloads 73475 Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Applications Processed by Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Mariana P. Medeiros, Amanda P. Carvallo, Augusta Isaac, Milos Janecek, Peter Minarik, Mayerling Martinez Celis, Roberto. R. Figueiredo
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The effect of high pressure torsion processing on mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of pure magnesium and Mg-Zn, Mg-Zn-Ca, Mg-Li-Y, and Mg-Y-RE alloys is investigated. Micro-tomography and SEM characterization are used to estimate corrosion rate and evaluate non-uniform corrosion features. The results show the severe plastic deformation processing improves the strength of all magnesium alloys, but deformation localization can take place in the Mg-Zn-Ca and Mg-Y-RE alloys. The occurrence of deformation localization is associated with low strain rate sensitivity in these alloys and with severe corrosion localization. Pure magnesium and Mg-Zn and Mg-Li-Y alloys display good corrosion resistance with low corrosion rate and maintained integrity after 28 days of immersion in Hank`s solution.Keywords: magnesium alloys, severe plastic deformation, corrosion, biodegradable alloys
Procedia PDF Downloads 112474 Process of Research, Development and Application of New Pelletizer
Authors: Ľubomír Šooš, Peter Križan, Juraj Beniak, Miloš Matúš
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The success of introducing a new product on the market is the new principle of production, or progressive design, improved efficiency or high quality of manufactured products. Proportionally with the growth of interest in press-biofuels - pellets or briquettes, is also growing interest in the new design better, more efficiently machines produce pellets, briquettes or granules completely new shapes. Our department has for years dedicated to the development of new highly productive designs pressing machines and new optimized press-biofuels. In this field, we have more than 40 national and international patents. The aim of paper is description of the introduction of a new principle pelleting mill and the description of his process of research, development, manufacturing and testing to deployment into production.Keywords: compacting process, pellets mill, design, new conception, press-biofuels, patent, waste
Procedia PDF Downloads 383473 Stepanovia osogoviensis sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Galls of Diplolepis rosae from Bulgaria
Authors: Ivaylo A. Todorov, Peter S. Boyadzhiev
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A new distinctive species of Stepanovia Kostjukov (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) was reared in laboratory from mature galls of Diplolepis rosae (Linnaeus) (Cynipidae). The galls were collected from Rosa sp. bushes growing in Osogovo Mt. in Western Bulgaria. The new species is close to Stepanovia rosae Boyadzhiev & Todorov but differs in POL and OOL characteristics, width of antennae, forewings and ovipositor sheaths characteristics, different U-shaped pale stripe above clypeus and the length of the ventral plaque on male antenna. The taxonomically important morphological features are illustrated and compared with the rest species of the genus using Scanning electron microscopy and light reflection by compound microscopy. Images of male genitalia are also prepared.Keywords: Eulophidae, Diplolepis rosae, galls, Stepanovia osogoviensis, Bulgaria
Procedia PDF Downloads 245472 Evaluation of Biomass Introduction Methods in Coal Co-Gasification
Authors: Ruwaida Abdul Rasid, Kevin J. Hughes, Peter J. Henggs, Mohamed Pourkashanian
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Heightened concerns over the amount of carbon emitted from coal-related processes are generating shifts to the application of biomass. In co-gasification, where coal is gasified along with biomass, the biomass may be fed together with coal (co-feeding) or an independent biomass gasifier needs to be integrated with the coal gasifier. The main aim of this work is to evaluate the biomass introduction methods in coal co-gasification. This includes the evaluation of biomass concentration input (B0 to B100) and its gasification performance. A process model is developed and simulated in Aspen HYSYS, where both coal and biomass are modeled according to its ultimate analysis. It was found that the syngas produced increased with increasing biomass content for both co-feeding and independent schemes. However, the heating values and heat duties decreases with biomass concentration as more CO2 are produced from complete combustion.Keywords: aspen HYSYS, biomass, coal, co-gasification modelling, simulation
Procedia PDF Downloads 409471 Evaluating the Potential of Microwave Treatment as a Rock Pre-Conditioning Method in Achieving a More Sustainable Mining
Authors: Adel Ahmadi Hosseini, Fatemeh Tavanaei, Alessandro Navarra, Ferri Hassani
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Mining engineering, as a part of geoscience, must address modern concerns. Traditional mining methods incorporate drill and blast technologies, which are followed by different issues, including excessive noise, vibration, air pollution, and safety hazards. Over the past two decades, mining engineers have sought alternative solutions to move from drill and blast to continuous methods to prevent such issues and improve sustainability in mining. Among the suggested methods, microwave treatment has shown promising results by creating micro/macro cracks in the rock structure prior to the operations. This research utilizes an energy-based analysis methodology to evaluate the efficiency of the microwave treatment in improving mining operations. The data analysis shows that increasing the input microwave energy dosage intensifies the rock damage. However, this approach can decrease the energy efficiency of the method by more than 50% in some cases. In this study, rock samples were treated with three power levels (3 kW, 7 kW, and 12 kW) and two energy dosages (20 kWh/t and 50 kWh/t), resulting in six conditions. To evaluate the impact of microwave treatment on the geomechanical behavior of the rocks, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests were conducted on the microwave-treated samples, yielding stress-strain curves. Using the stress-strain curves, the effect of the different powers and energy dosages of microwaves are discussed. This research shows the potential of using microwave treatment to lead the industry to more sustainable mining.Keywords: microwave treatment, microwave energy dosage, sustainable mining, rock fragmentation
Procedia PDF Downloads 39470 Application of Fourier Series Based Learning Control on Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Sandra Baßler, Peter Dünow, Mathias Marquardt
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A Fourier series based learning control (FSBLC) algorithm for tracking trajectories of mechanical systems with unknown nonlinearities is presented. Two processes are introduced to which the FSBLC with PD controller is applied. One is a simplified service robot capable of climbing stairs due to special wheels and the other is a propeller driven pendulum with nearly the same requirements on control. Additionally to the investigation of learning the feed forward for the desired trajectories some considerations on the implementation of such an algorithm on low cost microcontroller hardware are made. Simulations of the service robot as well as practical experiments on the pendulum show the capability of the used FSBLC algorithm to perform the task of improving control behavior for repetitive task of such mechanical systems.Keywords: climbing stairs, FSBLC, ILC, service robot
Procedia PDF Downloads 313469 ReS, Resonant String Shell: Development of an Acoustic Shell for Outdoor Chamber Music Concerts
Authors: Serafino Di Rosario
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ReS is a sustainable hand-built temporary acoustic shell, developed since 2011 and built during the architectural workshop at Villa Pennisi in Musica in Acireale, Sicily, each year since 2012. The design concept aims to provide a portable structure by reducing the on-site construction problems and the skills required by the builders together with maximizing the acoustic performance for the audience and the musicians. The shell is built using only wood, recycled for the most part, and can be built and dismantled by non-specialized workers in just three days. This paper describes the research process, which spans over four years and presents the final results in form of acoustic simulations performed by acoustic modeling software and real world measurements. ReS is developed by the ReS team who has been presented with the Peter Lord Award in 2015 by the Institute of Acoustics in the UK.Keywords: acoustic shell, outdoor natural amplification, computational design, room acoustics
Procedia PDF Downloads 228468 General and Sport Specific Fitness Testing Practices: Global Developments
Authors: Peter Smolianov, Jed Smith, Lisa Chen, Steven Dion, Christopher Schoen, Jaclyn Norberg
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This study compared general conditioning and sport specific fitness tests used in China, European Union (EU), Russia, and the United States. A constant content comparison method was used to identify the differences. Data from the study indicated that there were shared test components, including aerobic fitness, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. However, the testing components and items, as well as the cut-off values of the analyzed tests varied by country for the same gender and age. Culturally unique methods of testing and preparing for the tests were identified. Additionally, evidence revealed support for lifelong fitness and long-term sport participation through comprehensive fitness and wellness guidelines for different age groups and through new internet-based technologies.Keywords: fitness testing, global trends, new developments, worldwide comparison
Procedia PDF Downloads 158467 Arithmetic Operations in Deterministic P Systems Based on the Weak Rule Priority
Authors: Chinedu Peter, Dashrath Singh
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Membrane computing is a computability model which abstracts its structures and functions from the biological cell. The main ingredient of membrane computing is the notion of a membrane structure, which consists of several cell-like membranes recurrently placed inside a unique skin membrane. The emergence of several variants of membrane computing gives rise to the notion of a P system. The paper presents a variant of P systems for arithmetic operations on non-negative integers based on the weak priorities for rule application. Consequently, we obtain deterministic P systems. Two membranes suffice. There are at most four objects for multiplication and five objects for division throughout the computation processes. The model is simple and has a potential for possible extension to non-negative integers and real numbers in general.Keywords: P system, binary operation, determinism, weak rule priority
Procedia PDF Downloads 445466 The Complete Modal Derivatives
Authors: Sebastian Andersen, Peter N. Poulsen
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The use of basis projection in the structural dynamic analysis is frequently applied. The purpose of the method is to improve the computational efficiency, while maintaining a high solution accuracy, by projection the governing equations onto a small set of carefully selected basis vectors. The present work considers basis projection in kinematic nonlinear systems with a focus on two widely used basis vectors; the system mode shapes and their modal derivatives. Particularly the latter basis vectors are given special attention since only approximate modal derivatives have been used until now. In the present work the complete modal derivatives, derived from perturbation methods, are presented and compared to the previously applied approximate modal derivatives. The correctness of the complete modal derivatives is illustrated by use of an example of a harmonically loaded kinematic nonlinear structure modeled by beam elements.Keywords: basis projection, finite element method, kinematic nonlinearities, modal derivatives
Procedia PDF Downloads 237465 Understanding Retail Benefits Trade-offs of Dynamic Expiration Dates (DED) Associated with Food Waste
Authors: Junzhang Wu, Yifeng Zou, Alessandro Manzardo, Antonio Scipioni
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Dynamic expiration dates (DEDs) play an essential role in reducing food waste in the context of the sustainable cold chain and food system. However, it is unknown for the trades-off in retail benefits when setting an expiration date on fresh food products. This study aims to develop a multi-dimensional decision-making model that integrates DEDs with food waste based on wireless sensor network technology. The model considers the initial quality of fresh food and the change rate of food quality with the storage temperature as cross-independent variables to identify the potential impacts of food waste in retail by applying s DEDs system. The results show that retail benefits from the DEDs system depend on each scenario despite its advanced technology. In the DEDs, the storage temperature of the retail shelf leads to the food waste rate, followed by the change rate of food quality and the initial quality of food products. We found that the DEDs system could reduce food waste when food products are stored at lower temperature areas. Besides, the potential of food savings in an extended replenishment cycle is significantly more advantageous than the fixed expiration dates (FEDs). On the other hand, the information-sharing approach of the DEDs system is relatively limited in improving sustainable assessment performance of food waste in retail and even misleads consumers’ choices. The research provides a comprehensive understanding to support the techno-economic choice of the DEDs associated with food waste in retail.Keywords: dynamic expiry dates (DEDs), food waste, retail benefits, fixed expiration dates (FEDs)
Procedia PDF Downloads 114464 Simulation of X-Ray Tissue Contrast and Dose Optimisation in Radiological Physics to Improve Medical Imaging Students’ Skills
Authors: Peter J. Riley
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Medical Imaging students must understand the roles of Photo-electric Absorption (PE) and Compton Scatter (CS) interactions in patients to enable optimal X-ray imaging in clinical practice. A simulator has been developed that shows relative interaction probabilities, color bars for patient dose from PE, % penetration to the detector, and obscuring CS as Peak Kilovoltage (kVp) changes. Additionally, an anthropomorphic chest X-ray image shows the relative tissue contrasts and overlying CS-fog at that kVp, which determine the detectability of a lesion in the image. A series of interactive exercises with MCQs evaluate the student's understanding; the simulation has improved student perception of the need to acquire "sufficient" rather than maximal contrast to enable patient dose reduction at higher kVp.Keywords: patient dose optimization, radiological physics, simulation, tissue contrast
Procedia PDF Downloads 95463 Econometric Analysis of West African Countries’ Container Terminal Throughput and Gross Domestic Products
Authors: Kehinde Peter Oyeduntan, Kayode Oshinubi
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The west African ports have been experiencing large inflow and outflow of containerized cargo in the last decades, and this has created a quest amongst the countries to attain the status of hub port for the sub-region. This study analyzed the relationship between the container throughput and Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of nine west African countries, using Simple Linear Regression (SLR), Polynomial Regression Model (PRM) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) with a time series of 20 years. The results showed that there exists a high correlation between the GDP and container throughput. The model also predicted the container throughput in west Africa for the next 20 years. The findings and recommendations presented in this research will guide policy makers and help improve the management of container ports and terminals in west Africa, thereby boosting the economy.Keywords: container, ports, terminals, throughput
Procedia PDF Downloads 214462 Differentiation of Customer Types by Stereotypical Characteristics for Modular and Conventional Construction Methods
Authors: Peter Schnell, Phillip Haag
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In the course of the structural transformation of the construction industry, the integration of industrialization and digitization has led to the development of construction methods with an increased degree of prefabrication, such as system or modular construction. Compared to conventional construction, these innovative construction methods are characterized by modified structural and procedural properties and expand the range of construction services. Faced with the supply side, it is possible to identify construction-specific customer types with different characteristics and certain preferences as far as the choice of construction method is concerned. The basis for this finding was qualitative expert interviews. By evaluating the stereotypical customer needs, a corresponding segmentation of the demand side can be made along with the basic orientation and decision behavior. This demarcation supports the target- and needs-oriented customer approach and contributes to cooperative and successful project management.Keywords: differentiation of customer types, modular construction methods, conventional construction methods, stereotypical customer types
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