Optimal Building Frame Column Design Based on the Genetic Algorithm

Building structure is like the skeleton of the building, it bears the effects of various forces and forms a supporting system, which is the material basis on which the building depends. Hence building structure design is a vital part in architecture design, architects often explore novel applications of their technologies for building structure innovation. However, such searches relied on experiences, expertise or gut feeling. In this paper, a new design method for the optimal building frame column design based on the genetic algorithm is proposed. First of all, in order to construct the optimal model of the building frame column, building units are divided into three categories in general: building bottom, main building and building roof. Secondly, the genetic algorithm is introduced to optimize the building frame column. In the meantime, a PGA-Skeleton based concurrent genetic algorithm design plan is proposed to improve the optimization efficiency of the genetic algorithm. Finally, effectiveness of the mentioned algorithm is verified through the simulation experiment.     

Atmospheric-dispersion database system that can immediately provide calculation results for various source term and meteorological conditions

ABSTRACT

We have estimated source term and analyzed processes of atmospheric dispersion against atmospheric discharge of radioactive materials due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) accident by atmospheric-dispersion calculation using the Worldwide version of System for Environmental Emergency Dose Information (WSPEEDI). On the basis of this experience, we developed an atmospheric-dispersion calculation method that can respond to various needs for dispersion prediction in a nuclear emergency and provide useful information for emergency-response planning. By this method, if a release point, such as a nuclear facility, is known, it is possible to immediately obtain the prediction results by applying provided source term (released radionuclides, release rate, and release period) to the database of dispersion-calculation results prepared in advance without specifying source term. With this function, it is easy to compare results by applying many kinds of source term with monitoring data, and to find out the optimum source term. By preparing a database by this calculation with past long-term meteorological data, we can immediately get dispersion-calculation results for various source term and meteorological conditions. This database is useful for pre-accident planning, such as optimization of a monitoring plan and understanding of events to be supposed in considering emergency countermeasures.     

ChiCaRo: tele-presence robot for interacting with babies and toddlers‡

The progress of super-aging societies is decreasing opportunities for interaction between grandparents and grandchildren due to increased nuclear families. This paper reports a tele-presence robot named ChiCaRo, which is designed to promote interaction with babies/toddlers and encourage remote communication between grandparents and grandchildren. We experimentally investigated ChiCaRo’s social acceptance with 17 adults and 19 children in a play room environment. The adult participants evaluated ChiCaRo highly in the context of remote interaction with their children. Next, we conducted field trials in real-home environments with three nuclear families and their grandparents who operated ChiCaRo to investigate its effectiveness. After one-week field trials, the grandparents reported that ChiCaRo encouraged both interaction with their grandchildren and supplemented childcare, e.g. watching babies/toddlers instead of their parents.     

Functional Domain Order of an Anti-EGFR × Anti-CD16 Bispecific Diabody Involving NK Cell Activation

Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have emerged as promising therapeutics. A bispecific diabody (bsDb) is a small bsAb consisting of two distinct chimeric single-chain components, with two possible arrangements of the domains. We previously reported the effect of domain order on the function of a humanized bsDb targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells, and CD3 on T cells. Notably, the co-localization of a T-cell receptor (TCR) with CD3 is bulky, potentially affecting the cross-linking ability of bsDbs, due to steric hindrance. Here, we constructed and evaluated humanized bsDbs, with different domain orders, targeting EGFR and CD16 on natural killer (NK) cells (hEx16-Dbs). We predicted minimal effects due to steric hindrance, as CD16 lacks accessory molecules. Interestingly, one domain arrangement displayed superior cytotoxicity in growth inhibition assays, despite similar cross-linking abilities for both domain orders tested. In hEx16-Dbs specifically, domain order might affect the agonistic activity of the anti-CD16 portion, which was supported by a cytokine production test, and likely contributed to the superiority of one of the hEx16-Dbs. Our results indicate that both the target antigen and mode of action of an antibody must be considered in the construction of highly functional bsAbs.     

Thermoelectric Properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-Type Mg<Subscript>2.00</Subscript>Si<Subscript>0.25</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>0.75</Subscript> with Li and Ag Double Doping

Mg₂Si_1−x Sn _x -system solid solutions are ecofriendly semiconductors that are promising materials for thermoelectric generators in the middle temperature range. To produce a thermoelectric device, high-performance p- and n-type materials must be balanced. In this paper, p-type Mg_2.00Si_0.25Sn_0.75 with Li and Ag double doping was prepared by the liquid–solid reaction method and hot-pressing. Effects of Li and Ag double doping on thermoelectric properties were investigated in the temperature range from room temperature to 850 K. All sintered compacts were identified as single-phase solid solutions with anti-fluorite structure. The carrier concentration increased with the double doping. The temperature dependence of resistivity of the double-doped samples was similar to that of a metal. The seebeck coefficient increased with temperature to a maximum value and then decreased in the intrinsic region. Thermal conductivity decreased linearly with increasing temperature, reaching a minimum near the intrinsic region, and then increased rapidly because of the contribution of the bipolar component. The dimensionless figure of merit reached 0.32 at 610 K for Mg_2.00Si_0.25Sn_0.75 double-doped with Li-5000 ppm and Ag-20000 ppm.     

Surge voltages and currents into a customer due to nearby lightning

This paper presents experimental results of lightning surges incoming into a customer due to lightning to an antenna of the customer, a pole and a ground nearby the customer, and briefly discusses lightning current distribution in the customer, a distribution line and a telephone line. Based on experimental results, modeling of each component is explained, and EMTP simulations are carried out. The ground voltage rise is represented by a mutual resistance between grounding electrodes. EMTP simulation results have been observed to agree qualitatively with the measured results, and it becomes possible to investigate lightning surges and current distribution in a customer by an EMTP simulation.     

Spin polarization of field-emitted electrons from half-metallic Co2MnSi thin films grown on a W(0 0 1) facet

We measured spin polarization of electrons field-emitted from half-metallic Co₂MnSi thin film grown on a W(0 0 1) facet via chromium buffer layer using Mott scattering. For spontaneously magnetized samples, values of polarization at room temperature were observed in a range from 10% to 46% and the polarization direction was 〈1 1 0〉 orientation of substrate tungsten, which agreed with an easy axis of magnetization of bulky Co₂MnSi. An enhancement of polarization was observed as a consequence of applying a magnetic field of 350 G perpendicular to the emitter axis after the annealing at 800 K. This result is considered to be caused by improvement in crystallinity of the evaporated film due to annealing.     

Note: Light output enhanced fast response and low afterglow 6Li glass scintillator as potential down-scattered neutron diagnostics for inertial confinement fusion

The characteristics of an APLF80+3Ce scintillator are presented. Its sufficiently fast decay profile, low afterglow, and an improved light output compared to the recently developed APLF80+3Pr, were experimentally demonstrated. This scintillator material holds promise for applications in neutron imaging diagnostics at the energy regions of 0.27 MeV of DD fusion down-scattered neutron peak at the world's largest inertial confinement fusion facilities such as the National Ignition Facility and the Laser Me?gajoule.     

A new, high precision, quick response pressure regulator for active control of pneumatic vibration isolation tables

Pressure regulators are important elements in pneumatic systems. Relief-type precision pressure regulators are commonly used to control the supply pressure to actively controlled pneumatic vibration isolators.Herein, a high precision, quick response pneumatic pressure regulator is proposed. This consists of an isothermal chamber, a servo valve, a pressure sensor, a quick response laminar flow sensor (QFS), and a pressure differential sensor (PD sensor) as developed by the authors. Slight changes of pressure in the chamber can be detected by the PD sensor and are fed back to the servo valve to maintain the pressure at a desired value. The performance of this regulator was confirmed experimentally in comparison with one available commercially. The regulator was then applied to the supply pressure regulation of an actively controlled pneumatic vibration isolation table. The superior performance of the regulator is clearly shown in the experimental results, especially in terms of avoiding effects from upstream or downstream disturbances.     

Positioning error improvement based on ultrasonic oscillation for a linear motion rolling bearing during sinusoidal motion

Friction can be a major disturbance to precision positioning. This study presents a method for improving positioning error in a linear motion rolling bearing based on ultrasonic oscillations. Experiments were conducted in which a single-axis linear motion rolling bearing was driven in a sinusoidal motion to simulate circular motion. Two ultrasonic actuators excited both the rail and the carriage of the guide to create relative displacements between raceways and rolling elements. The carriage of the linear motion rolling bearing was driven by a frictionless voice coil motor (VCM). The displacement of the carriage and the friction force were measured by a springless linear encoder and the VCM's current, respectively. The early stages of the experiments focused on several oscillating patterns, and their consequent impacts on positioning error during sinusoidal motion were investigated. Finally, the oscillating pattern that maximally improved the positioning error was proposed and tested. By applying the proposed pattern, the maximum displacement error, exhibited just after velocity reversal, was reduced by approximately 40%, while the average error was reduced by 26%.