Preparation of proton exchange membrane by radiation-induced grafting method : Grafting of styrene onto poly(ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) copolymer films

Radiation induced grafting of styrene onto poly(ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) copolymer film was carried out to prepare graft copolymer (ETFE-g-polystyrene) that can host sulfonic acid groups and form proton exchange membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The effect of monomer concentration and type of solvent on the degree of grafting was investigated. The formation of graft copolymer film was confirmed by FTIR spectrum analysis

Estimation of Kumaraswamy Distribution Parameters Using the Principle of Maximum Entropy

This paper proposes using maximum entropy approach to estimate the parameters of the Kumaraswamy distribution subject to moment constraints. Kumaraswamy [7] introduced the double pounded probability density function which was originally used to model hydrological phenomena. It was mentioned that this probability density function is applicable to bounded natural phenomena which have values on two sides. The distribution share several properties with the beta distribution and it has the extra advantages that is possesses a closed form distribution function, but it remained unknown to most statisticians until it was developed by Jones [6] as a beta-type distribution with some tractability advantages in particular as it has fairly simple quantile function and it has explicit formula for L-Moment. Using the principle of maximum entropy to propose new estimators for the Kumaraswamy parameters and compared with maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation methods. A simulation study is performed to investigate the performance of the estimators in terms of their mean square errors and their efficiency

Long and short paths in uniform random recursive dags

In a uniform random recursive k-dag, there is a root, 0, and each node in turn, from 1 to n, chooses k uniform random parents from among the nodes of smaller index. If S_n is the shortest path distance from node n to the root, then we determine the constant \sigma such that S_n/log(n) tends to \sigma in probability as n tends to infinity. We also show that max_{1 \le i \le n} S_i/log(n) tends to \sigma in probability.Comment: 16 page

Spatial nonlinearity in anisotropic metamaterial plasmonic slot waveguides

We study the main nonlinear solutions of plasmonic slot waveguides made from an anisotropic metamate-rial core with a positive Kerr-type nonlinearity surrounded by two semi-infinite metal regions. First, we demonstrate that for a highly anisotropic diagonal elliptical core, the bifurcation threshold of the asymmetric mode is reduced from GW/m threshold for the isotropic case to 50 MW/m one indicating a strong enhancement of the spatial nonlinear effects, and that the slope of the dispersion curve of the asymmetric mode stays positive, at least near the bifurcation, suggesting a stable mode. Second, we show that for the hyperbolic case there is no physically meaningful asymmetric mode, and that the sign of the effective nonlinearity can become negative

Inertial amplification of continuous structures: Large band gaps from small masses

Wave motion in a continuous elastic rod with a periodically attached inertial-amplification mechanism is investigated. The mechanism has properties similar to an "inerter" typically used in vehicle suspensions, however here it is constructed and utilized in a manner that alters the intrinsic properties of a continuous structure. The elastodynamic band structure of the hybrid rod-mechanism structure yields band gaps that are exceedingly wide and deep when compared to what can be obtained using standard local resonators, while still being low in frequency. With this concept, a large band gap may be realized with as much as twenty times less added mass compared to what is needed in a standard local resonator configuration. The emerging inertially enhanced continuous structure also exhibits unique qualitative features in its dispersion curves. These include the existence of a characteristic double-peak in the attenuation constant profile within gaps and the possibility of coalescence of two neighbouring gaps creating a large contiguous gap.Comment: Manuscript is under review for journal publicatio

Modeling a Microstretch Thermoelastic Body with Two Temperatures

We consider a theory of thermoelasticity constructed by taking into account the heat conduction in deformable bodies which depends on two temperatures. The first one is the conductive temperature, the second is the thermodynamic temperature, and the difference between them is proportional to the heat supply

Factors affecting the deployment of learning analytics in developing countries: case of Egypt

The higher education institutions in developing countries such as Egypt are challenged with the high enrollment student rates, crowded classes and inability to track the progress of each student individually which increased the demand to find a solution that can redeem those problems. Although the usage of learning analytics is an expanding solution to support different educational challenges from performance tracking to detecting students at risks, learning analytics’ developments concentrated on addressing solutions for developed countries. Accordingly, the discipline still requires a broader and indepth interpretation of its contextual usage in developing countries especially Egypt. A research model has been constructed based on literature and tested for its validity and reliability. A questionnaire has been distributed on 148 university students. The study used smart-PLS to interpret and analyze the collected data. The study revealed that organizational culture, data accessibility, trustworthy, visualization has a positive effect on the awareness, while lack of ability has a negative effect on the awareness. Both infrastructure and awareness have significant positive effect on learning analytics impact. The research indicates high learning analytics awareness and high perceived impact on the Egyptian higher education. Evidence should be provided with the collection of more insights from students, faculty members and decision makers