Shear enhancement in RC beams loaded on the tension face

Shear strength of reinforced concrete beams significantly enhances when loads are applied closer to the support due to the arching action. This enhancement is widely investigated and has been included in the design codes. However, scarce resources are available in the literature regarding this enhancement for the case of multiple point loads applied within the enhancement zone; in addition, the available literature focuses on loads applied to the flexural compression face. Situations where multiple point loads are applied on the tension face are found in practice in structures like balanced-cantilever crosshead girders of bridges and transfer girders near the supports. Nevertheless, research considering this configuration has not been found in the available literature. The aim of this research is to study the effect of the loading arrangements on the shear strength enhancement of deep beams loaded on the compression or tension face with multiple point loads. This research was motivated by differences in the principal compressive stress trajectories obtained with nonlinear finite element analysis for the two different configurations. The author conducted an experimental program to investigate the influence of loading face, the effect of varying the ratio between loads applied within the enhancement zone and the influence on shear enhancement of partly loading the beam outside the enhancement zone. Detailed measurements of the crack kinematics and global deformation were obtained during the tests using the digital images correlation system. These measurements were used to provide descriptive models of the deformed beams and to evaluate the shear transfer actions of the tested beams. Strength of the tested beams was estimated using design codes (BS8110, EC2 2004 and MC2010) and non-linear finite element analysis. A novel practical strut-and-tie model was developed for the case of multiple point load applied to the tension face of the beams. This model correctly predicted the failure plane, fairly represented the stress field, and it is suitable for multiple loads applied entirely inside or partly outside the shear enhancement zone.Open Acces

An Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Adoption of the Internet in the Libyan Retail Sector

This study has an objective to determine the factors on the internet adoption among SME managers in Tripoli of Libya. This research also determined testing of research hypotheses, based upon the conceptual framework of this study. Questionnaire is designed and distributed to the sample of the research. Quantitative research approach was employ and surveys the user on internet adoption among SME sector in Tripoli of Libya. Questionnaire is designed and distributed to the sample of the research. The statistical software SPSS version 17.00 used to ensure the relevant issues is examined in a comprehensive manner. Statistical tools and methods were used where appropriate for analyzing the relationship among the variables and the model. Multivariate statistical analysis performed for the data analysis for this study. The analysis discussed all the findings which through statistical analysis to show the analysis and discussions as the results of the data analysis. This research was conducted in term of descriptive study and also deals with construct assessment of the variables in the main study. Firstly, the main study construct assessment discusses respondent's demographic profiles and purification of the measurement variables. Secondly, the hypothesis testing presented through correlation, linear regression and multiple regressions. The present study found in term of descriptive manner to determine the evidences and factor behind measures behavior of SME owner in Tripoli of Libya. The observation made on the event that recorded in the form of questionnaire, and choosing an appropriate study design with adequate sample sizes. The results of correlation, the linear regression regressions in assessing the variables or the empirical relationship between technology complexity, facilitating condition, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were confirmed positively related to the internet Adoption as hypothesized. The positive association between independent variables on dependent variable was supported. In practical understanding, manager often cannot pick and choose individuals to become users of IT. Indeed, as noted earlier, the pervasiveness of IT in organizational work renders such a strategy untenable, and often the true benefits of a new IT may be realize only when all intended users accept it. The use of appropriate interventions focused on influencing beliefs can be instrumental then in facilitating such acceptance, notwithstanding the profile of the work group. For stakeholder to implement new information technologies in work groups where individuals' profile are not quite consistent with the type of profile indicative may be nothing inherent in individual differences that strongly determines acceptance and, because of the mediating role played by beliefs, it is possible to find alternative means of facilitating technology acceptance and increasing individual productivity

Binary Distillation Column Control Techniques: a Comparative Study

The purpose of this study is to propose the best control strategy for the binary distillation column. Woods & Berry model is used to represent the distillation column process. The control process is simulated on Matlab Simulink. Traditional controller settings including P, PI and PID are put to comparison. PI is found to result in a control superior to P and PID. PI is then tuned using different tuning method including Ziegler Nichols, Cohen Coon, ITAE, IMC and Symmetric Optimum. The study finds that IMC tuning parameters relatively improves the PI controller response and robustness. It is suggested to compare IMC-tuned PI controller with an advance Model Predicative Controller to ultimately conclude a superior control technique for the binary distillation column

Comparative Bionomics Of Haemonchus Contortus In Sheep And Goats Between Malaysia And Yemen And Its Respective Morphological And Molecular Characterization

The bionomics of the parasitic nematode worm, Haemonchous contortus were compared between Malaysia and Yemen. The morphological and molecular characterizations of H. contortus isolates from the two countries were investigated. Samples were obtained from sheep and goats. Study sites comprised of two States in Malaysia (Perak and Kelantan) and two Governorates in Yemen (Sana'a and Al- Hudaydah). The sites were chosen based on their geographical isolation within each country. Records of total number of infected sheep and goats by H. contortus adult worms during 2007-2009 in Malaysia and Yemen were collected from the annual reports of veterinary service centers in each country. High prevalence rates of this nematode in both sheep and goats were reported in Yemen. Data for temperature, humidity and rainfall during those years were collected to show the climatic conditions in the study areas and to assess a possible relation between these climatic parameters and the percentages of infected animals. Abattoir investigations were also carried out in Yemen during the period from September 2008 till February 2009. The abomasa of 68 sheep and 33 goats were collected in Sana'a while 59 abomasa of sheep and 105 abomasa of goats were collected in Al-Hudaydah. The data obtained showed high monthly prevalences of this worm in sheep and goats with no significant difference between host species in prevalences and total worm burden

Electron impact excitation-ionization of molecules

In the last few decades, the study of atomic collisions by electron-impact has made significant advances. The most difficult case to study is electron impact ionization of molecules for which many approximations have to be made and the validity of these approximations can only be checked by comparing with experiment. In this thesis, I have examined the Molecular three-body distorted wave (M3DW) or Molecular four-body distorted wave (M4DW) approximations for electron-impact ionization. These models use a fully quantum mechanical approach where all particles are treated quantum mechanically and the post collision interaction (PCI) is treated to all orders of perturbation. These electron impact ionization collisions play central roles in the physics and chemistry of upper atmosphere, biofuel, the operation of discharges and lasers, radiation induced damage in biological material like damage to DNA by secondary electrons, and plasma etching processes. For the M3DW model, I will present results for electron impact single ionization of small molecules such as Water, Ethane, and Carbon Dioxide and the much larger molecules Tetrahydrofuran, phenol, furfural, 1-4 Benzoquinone. I will also present results for the four-body problem in which there are two target electrons involved in the collision. M4DW results will be presented for dissociative excitation-ionization of orientated D2. I will show that M4DW calculations using a variational wave function for the ground state that included s- and p- orbital states give better agreement to the experimental measurements than a ground state approximated as a product of two 1s-type Dyson orbitals --Abstract, page iv

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BURDEN OF CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK FACTORS IN A YOUNG EMIRATI POPULATION

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced rapid economic growth that was paralleled by a drastic rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs); primarily cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which account for 40% of mortality in UAE. CVDs have complex etiology, interplay, and accumulation of many risk factors. Understanding the clustering and interrelationships between common risk factors like obesity, deglycation, dyslipidemia, hypertension and central obesity, and the associations with social and lifestyle determinants are warranted. The study aimed to estimate the burden of cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs), their interrelationship, and their associations with other social and lifestyle determinants in a young Emirati population. Data were drawn from the UAE Healthy Future Study collected between 2016 and 2018. The information was collected through questionnaires, physical measurements, and blood samples. Age-adjusted and gender-specific prevalence of CRFs were estimated, and appropriate regression models were used to determine the interrelationships and associations of the CRFs. A total of 5,167 eligible participants aged 18-40 were included in the analysis. The age-adjusted prevalence rates were 26.5% for obesity, 11.7% for deglycation, 62.7% for dyslipidemia, 22.4% for hypertension and 22.5% for central obesity. Dyslipidemia had the highest comorbidity rate, up to 80%, with other CRFs, followed by obesity. Obesity had the strongest interrelationship with other CRFs. Education, employment, smoking and family history of NCDs had significant associations with some CRFs. Forty per cent of the population had ≥2 CRFs, and the accumulation was higher in men than women; 47.8% vs 28.1%, respectively. The burden of CRFs was affected by age and social factors and was significantly different across BMI classes. CRFs and their clustering are highly prevalent in young adults, including those with normal BMI. This should be considered in the design and targeting of group-specific measures for CVDs and other NCDs prevention. Further research is needed to investigate how the clustering manifests in young adults to prevent the early rise of NCDs in the UAE

The Infleuence of Total Quality Management (Continues Improvement and Training) on the Public and Private HealthcareInstitutions Effectiveness in Yemen

Purpose: This research was developed for the purpose of finding out the impact of total quality management (continuous improvement and training) on the public and private healthcare institutions' effectiveness in Yemen. Design/ Method/ Approach: The descriptive-analytical approach was used in this study; it is one of the most used methods in the study of social and human phenomena, and because it fits the phenomenon under study. It also examines an existing phenomenon or issue from which information can be answered to answer study questions, without the intervention of the researcher. Findings: regression test has been used to conduct statistical analysis from the primary data. Several tests have been conducted for the collected data. The main results found that that there is a positive and significant relationship between continuous improvement and the healthcare public and private institutions' effectiveness in Yemen. Also, there is a positive and significant relationship between training and the healthcare public and private institutions' effectiveness in Yemen. Recommendation: In the health sector, it is always necessary to remember that the essence of the service is the human. It should be kept in mind that human life will be harmed when a mistake is made. The lack of statistical data and information sharing increases the likelihood of errors occurring repeatedly. Managers should eliminate fear, communication barriers, and situations that make it difficult for people to do business and make arrangements where the feeling of success is experienced together with continuous improvement

Factors Determine Cash Waqf Participation in Kedah, Malaysia: Perception from Students in Kolej University Insaniah

ABSTRACT The advertisement made by the Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (BMMB) was the major cause for a CashWaqf gained popularity in Malaysia partly, the first Islamic banking establishment to manage CashWaqf together with Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor (PWS). The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of CashWaqf participation from the Malaysian perspective. This study is based on three variables used to determine factors that affect CashWaqf participation in Malaysia. The three variables that are measured in this current study are religiosity, subjective norm, and attitude.used an attitude theory as a baseline theory. The data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires to 100 participants from Students at Kolej Insaniah Universiti.  Based on multiple regression analysis and other statistical techniques, the findings of the study showed a significant relationship between religiosity, subjective norm, and attitude with CashWaqf participation. Given the results from the study, it highlights some limitations and suggestions for future studies that may be conducted in this scope.Keywords: Cash Waqf, Religiosity, Subjective Norm, Attitude