Application of Reduced Differential Transform Method for Solving Nonlinear Reaction-Diffusion-Convection Problems

In this paper, Reduced differential transform method is presented for solving nonlinear reactiondiffusion- convection initial value problems. The methodology with some known techniques shows that the present approach is simple and effective.To show the efficiency of the present method, four interesting examples is given

Efficient and optimized identification of generalized Maxwell viscoelastic relaxation spectra

Viscoelastic relaxation spectra are essential for predicting and interpreting the mechanical responses of materials and structures. For biological tissues, these spectra must usually be estimated from viscoelastic relaxation tests. Interpreting viscoelastic relaxation tests is challenging because the inverse problem is expensive computationally. We present here an efficient algorithm that enables rapid identification of viscoelastic relaxation spectra. The algorithm was tested against trial data to characterize its robustness and identify its limitations and strengths. The algorithm was then applied to identify the viscoelastic response of reconstituted collagen, revealing an extensive distribution of viscoelastic time constants. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd

Contamination of sediments with heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb in the east of Anzali Lagoon

The surface layer of sediments in the east of the Anzali Lagoon was surveyed for heavy metal contamination during the year 2004 at the National Inland Water Aquaculture Institute. Samples were obtained by sediment sampler (Eckman Grab) from Pirbazar River, Pasikhan and Selkeh. The samples were dried and treated by wet digestion (HN0_3, H_2SO_4, HClO_4) under open reflux condition. Concentration of Pb, Fe, Cu and Cd were 7.92, 0.2775%, 25.8 and 1.645 kg/g dry weight respectively. The Fe and Cu have the highest concentration. We found that in the study area, Pirbazar was the most contaminated with the selected heavy metals

Local community engagement as a practice: an investigation of local community engagement issues and their impact on transport megaprojects' social value

Purpose: Transport megaprojects often struggle to offer social value (SV) that meets local communities' needs. This problem is embedded in how local communities' views are captured and incorporated into SV plans through local community engagement (LCE). By problematising the literature, this article aims to identify LCE issues and their impacts on SV plans at the front-end of transport megaprojects. Design/methodology/approach: The theoretical lens of the study is the practice theory developed by Schatzki (2016, 2005). The authors conceptualised LCE as a practice and conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with UK practitioners. The authors collected data in three steps from three types of practitioners involved in LCE practice and SV planning: project managers, LCE experts and SV experts. Findings: The authors identified 18 LCE issues with thematic analysis and clustered them into five themes. These issues impact LCE with five mechanisms. Findings show that a weak link between LCE and SV plans due to the issues reduces LCE to a tick-box exercise and presents a distorted view of local communities. This reduces SV plans to the bare minimum for project approval instead of offering relevant SV to local communities. Addressing the issues goes beyond changing the approach of project teams to engagement (from instrumental to normative) and requires changing the practices. Originality/value: For the first time, the study uses practice theory to conceptualise LCE as a practice, following the notion of project as practice. The study problematises the literature to address the under-represented link between LCE and SV plans