Structural crack detection without updated baseline model by single and multiobjective optimization

Identification, localization and quantification of structural damage can be performed through a model-updating procedure. Model-updating methods require a baseline finite element (FE) model of the undamaged structure, which imposes a restriction on their applicability and can become very problematic especially for large and complex civil structures. Modeling errors in the baseline model whose effects exceed the modal sensitivity to damage are critical and make an accurate estimation of damage impossible. This paper presents an identification algorithm using modal data for assessing structural damage that is based on FE-updating procedures and takes modeling error into account. To overcome its influence, differences of mode shapes and frequencies before and after damage for both numerical model and experimental measurements are used instead of the mode shapes and frequencies themselves. To formulate the objective function, two different approaches have been considered taking into account how these differences are grouped: a single-objective approach and a multiobjective approach. The effectiveness of both approaches is verified against numerical and experimental results.     

Validating for Liveness in Hidden Adversary Systems

Multi-stream interactive systems can be seen as “hidden adversary” systems (HAS), where the observable behaviour on any interaction channel is affected by interactions happening on other channels. One way of modelling HAS is in the form of a multi-process I/O automata, where each interacting process appears as a token in a shared state space. Constraints in the state space specify how the dynamics of one process affects other processes. We define the “liveness criterion” of each process as the end objective to be achieved by the process. The problem now for each process is to achieve this objective in the face of unforeseen interferences from other processes. In an earlier paper, it was proposed that this uncertainty can be mitigated by collaboration among the disparate processes. Two types of collaboration philosophies were also suggested: altruistic collaboration and pragmatic collaboration. This paper addresses the HAS validation problem where processes collaborate altruistically.     

Phenol recovery with tributyl phosphate in a hollow fiber membrane contactor: Experimental and model analysis

The extraction and stripping of phenol using a solution of tributyl phosphate in kerosene in a hydrophobic polypropylene hollow fiber membrane contactor has been studied. The effect of the aqueous and the organic phase flow rates on the overall mass transfer coefficient for both extraction and stripping steps was investigated. Experimental values of the overall mass transfer coefficient were determined and compared with predicted values from the resistance in series model. Results showed that the overall mass transfer coefficients for extraction were about one order of magnitude greater than those measured during the stripping process. The experimental values were in good agreement with the predicted values for the extraction module. However, the predicted values were slightly overestimated for the stripping module. The individual mass transfer resistances were analyzed and the rate-controlling steps of mass transfer were also identified in both extraction and stripping modules. The major resistance in extraction and stripping was in the aqueous phase and in the membrane phase, respectively.     

Influence of elastic constants on mode I stress-intensity factors in three-dimensional crack problems

Plates with V-through edge notches subjected to pure bending and specimens with rectangular edge-through-notches subjected to combined bending and axial pull were investigated (under live-load and stress-frozen conditions) in a completely nondestructive manner using scattered-light photoelasticity. Stress-intensity factors (SIFs) were evaluated by analysing the singular stress distributions near crack-tips. Improved methods are suggested for the evaluation of SIFs. The thickness-wise variation of SIFs is also obtained in the investigation. The results obtained are compared with the available theoretical solutions.     

Differences in prevalence of tobacco use among Indian urban youth: the role of socioeconomic status

This study examined whether the distribution of tobacco use and related psychosocial risk factors among youth in urban India vary by socioeconomic status (SES). Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey of students enrolled in the 6th and 8th grades in 32 schools in Delhi and Chennai (N = 11,642). The survey was conducted in 2004, before the implementation of a program designed to prevent and reduce tobacco use (MYTRI). Mixed-effect regression models were used (a) to determine the prevalence of tobacco use among private (higher SES) and government (lower SES) school students, (b) to investigate whether certain psychosocial factors were associated with increased tobacco use, and (c) to determine how these factors varied by school type. Ever-use of multiple forms of tobacco (e.g., gutkha, bidis, and cigarettes) was more prevalent among government school students than private school students. After adjusting for city, gender, grade, and age, we found the prevalence rate for ever-use of any tobacco product to be 18.9% for government school students, compared with 12.2% for private school students (p<.01). Students in government schools scored lower than private school students on most psychosocial risk factors for tobacco use studied here, indicating higher risk. Government school students scored the lowest for refusal skills, self-efficacy, and reasons not to use tobacco. Social susceptibility to chewing tobacco and social susceptibility to smoking were strong correlates of current tobacco use among government school students. Exposure to tobacco advertising was also a strong correlate of current tobacco use for government school students but not private school students. In two large cities of India, students attending government schools are using many forms of tobacco at higher rates than private school students. The psychosocial risk profile of government school students suggests they are more vulnerable to initiation and use and to outside influences that encourage use.     

Aqueous leachability of metakaolin-based geopolymers with molar ratios of Si/Al = 1.5-4

The leachability in water of metakaolin based geopolymers with molar ratios of Na/Al = 1 and Si/Al = 1.5-4.0 has been investigated in order to optimise the composition for the immobilisation of nuclear waste. Formulations with Si/Al of around 2 are the most suitable using the ASTM/PCT leach test method. The variability of the leach results is discussed with reference to the microstructure, compressive strength and the degree of polymerisation of the geopolymers as observed here by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, XRD and infrared measurements.     

The interconnected CaCO3 coated SnO2 nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell with superior performance

Design, Development, fabrication and investigation of the I–V characteristics of the DSSC based on interconnected 15 nm SnO₂ nanoparticles covered with a nano-scale thin layer of CaCO₃ are described. The presence of CaCO₃ has been confirmed by its characteristic XRD pattern and EDX plots. The thickness of the protective layer can be conveniently controlled by the molar ratio of SnO₂:CaCO₃ used in the preparation of the thin film and the optimum conditions for best performance of the DSSC are presented together with possible explanations for the variations observed when the molar ratio is changed. An optimum light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 5.4% in the presence of a layer of CaCO₃ has been obtained which is 3.2 times enhancement over the cell prepared without CaCO₃. The characterization of the surface using different techniques is explained.     

Prediction of breakpoint distance in microcellular environments

Experimental studies of path loss distance dependency in line-of-sight microcellular propagation almost always show a dual-slope behaviour. However, there is disagreement in the literature over the best way to predict the breakpoint distance that delineates the change in path loss distance dependency. A new breakpoint equation is presented, the predictions of which are in excellent agreement with breakpoint distances observed in various propagation studies     

Label Transfer Reagents to Probe p38 MAPK Binding Partners

Protein kinases are essential enzymes for cellular signaling, and are often regulated by participation in protein complexes. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 is involved in multiple pathways, and its regulation depends on its interactions with other signaling proteins. However, the identification of p38‐interacting proteins is challenging. For this reason, we have developed label transfer reagents (LTRs) that allow labeling of p38 signaling complexes. These LTRs leverage the potency and selectivity of known p38 inhibitors to place a photo‐crosslinker and tag in the vicinity of p38 and its binding partners. Upon UV irradiation, proteins that are in close proximity to p38 are covalently crosslinked, and labeled proteins are detected and/or purified with an orthogonal chemical handle. Here we demonstrate that p38‐selective LTRs selectively label a diversity of p38 binding partners, including substrates, activators, and inactivators. Furthermore, these LTRs can be used in immunoprecipitations to provide low‐resolution structural information on p38‐containing complexes.