Studying the Dynamical Properties of 20 Nearby Galaxy Clusters

Using SDSS-DR7, we construct a sample of 42382 galaxies with redshifts in the region of 20 galaxy clusters. Using two successive iterative methods, the adaptive kernel method and the spherical infall model, we obtained 3396 galaxies as members belonging to the studied sample. The 2D projected map for the distribution of the clusters members is introduced using the 2D adaptive kernel method to get the clusters centers. The cumulative surface number density profile for each cluster is fitted well with the generalized King model. The core radii of the clusters' sample are found to vary from 0.18 Mpc \mbox{h}^{-1} (A1459) to 0.47 Mpc \mbox{h}^{-1} (A2670) with mean value of 0.295 Mpc \mbox{h}^{-1}. The infall velocity profile is determined using two different models, Yahil approximation and Praton model. Yahil approximation is matched with the distribution of galaxies only in the outskirts (infall regions) of many clusters of the sample, while it is not matched with the distribution within the inner core of the clusters. Both Yahil approximation and Praton model are matched together in the infall region for about 9 clusters in the sample but they are completely unmatched for the clusters characterized by high central density. For these cluster, Yahil approximation is not matched with the distribution of galaxies, while Praton model can describe well the infall pattern of such clusters.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figure

Experimental investigation of feedforward control schemes of a flexible robot manipulator system

This paper presents experimental investigations into the applications of feedforward control schemes for vibration control of a flexible manipulator system. Feedforward control schemes based on input shaping and filtering techniques are to be examined. A constrained planar single-link flexible manipulator is considered in this experimental work. An unshaped bang-bang torque input is used to determine the characteristic parameters of the system for design and evaluation of the input shaping control techniques. The input shapers and filtering techniques are designed based on the properties of the system. Simulation results of the response of the manipulator to the shaped and filtered inputs are presented in time and frequency domains. Performances of the shapers are examined in terms of level of vibration reduction and time response specifications. The effects of derivative order of the input shaper on the performance of the system are investigated. Finally, a comparative assessment of the control strategies is presented and discusse

STR-867: FLEXURAL BEHAVIOUR OF REINFORCED SCC BEAMS CONTAINING RECYCLED CRUMB RUBBER

This study aimed to investigate the effect of crumb rubber (CR) on the flexural behavior and cracking characteristics of self-consolidating concrete beams. Four full-scale self-consolidating rubberized concrete (SCRC) beams containing recycled CR particles as a partial replacement for fine aggregate with percentage ranging from 0% to 15% (by volume of sand) were tested. The performance of some design codes was evaluated in predicting the cracking moment and crack widths of the tested beams. The results indicated that increasing the CR content noticeably reduced the compressive strength, tensile strength, and first cracking moment of all SCRC beams. However, up to 15% replacement of CR, the flexural capacity of the tested beams was shown to be slightly decreased. In addition, increasing the CR content appeared to improve the beams’ ductility and limit the flexural crack widths. In general, the results of flexural loading tests indicated a promising potential for using SCRC in structural applications

Corrosion Resistance Properties of Aluminum Coating Applied by Arc Thermal Metal Spray in SAE J2334 Solution with Exposure Periods

Arc thermal metal spray coating provides excellent corrosion, erosion and wear resistance to steel substrates. This paper incorporates some results of aluminum coating applied by this method on plain carbon steel. Thereafter, coated panels were exposed to an environment known to form stable corrosion products with aluminum. The coated panels were immersed in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2334 for different periods of time. This solution consists of an aqueous solution of NaCl, CaCl2 and NaHCO3. Various electrochemical techniques, i.e., corrosion potential-time, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the potentiodynamic were used to determine the performance of stimulants in improving the properties of the coating. EIS studies revealed the kinetics and mechanism of corrosion and potentiodynamic attributed the formation of a passive film, which stifles the penetration of aggressive ions towards the substrate. The corrosion products that formed on the coating surface, identified using Raman spectroscopy, were Dawsonite (NaAlCO3(OH)2) and Al(OH)3. These compounds of aluminum are very sparingly soluble in aqueous solution and protect the substrate from pitting and uniform corrosion. The morphology and composition of corrosion products determined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses indicated that the environment plays a decisive role in improving the corrosion resistance of aluminum coating

Educational Innovation in the Sultanate of Oman and its Research Requirements: a research Map for the Department of Educational Foundations and Administration

This study intended to provide a research map that shows the most important research issues and educational challenges facing education in the Sultanate of Oman in the light of contemporary educational innovations. A descriptive research method was used. The procedures followed in the study included a review of educational research maps in the colleges of education, conducted a theoretical analysis of the relationship between global changes and their impact on the areas of educational innovation, identify areas of educational innovation in Oman, and Meta analysis of research conducted at the Department of Educational Foundations and Administration. Based on the analysis and interpretation of data collected from 120 research participants, consisting of 10 faculty members, 15 Master students, 20 experts from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, and 75 school principals representing different provinces, a research map, with its objectives, scopes, and mechanics of implementation, was developed

The influence of carbonization temperature on the development of carbon membrane with superior CO2/CH4 separation performance Pengaruh suhu karbonisasi kepada pembangunan membran karbon dengan kesan pemisahan gas CO2/CH4 yang cemerlang

In this study, P84-based carbon tubular membranes were fabricated and characterized in terms of their structural morphology and gas permeation properties, by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and pure gas permeation system, respectively. The polymer tubular membranes were then carbonized under nitrogen atmosphere at different carbonization temperatures of 600, 700, 800 and 900 °C, with heating rate of 3°C/min and thermal soak time of 30 minutes. The manipulation of carbonization temperatures was required to see if it could enhance the permeation properties as desired. Pure gas permeation tests were performed using CO2 and CH4 gases. The CO2/CH4 selectivity was found increasing as the carbonization temperature was increased from 600 to 800 °C. The carbon membrane carbonized at 800°C showed the most promising result for CO2/CH4 selectivity, rendering 69.48 and CO2 permeance of 206.1 GPU

Evaluation of health-related quality of life and muscular strength in children with beta thalassemia major

Background: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that requires repeated blood transfusions and chelation regimes. This may lead to restrictions in physical activities, social participation as well as decreased muscle strength.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), muscular strength and pain in children with β-thalassemia major.Patients and method: One hundred and twenty children (60 with β-thalassemia major and 60 age-matched healthy) were participated in a cross-sectional study from both sexes (57 girls and 63 boys) with ages ranging from two to twelve years. HRQoL (physical, emotional, social and school functioning), muscular strength and pain were evaluated for all children by using the pediatric quality of life inventoryTM (PedsQLTM) 4.0 generic core scale, hand-held dynamometer and visual analogue scale (VAS) respectively.Results: Children with β-thalassemia major showed a significant decrease in all domains of health-related quality of life and handgrip strength with a significant increase in VAS score (p ≤ 0.0001).Conclusions: The study concluded that thalassemia as a chronic disease has a negative impact on HRQoL and muscle strength of children in different age group.Keywords: Beta thalassemia, Quality of life, Handgrip strength, childre

Applications of Space Mapping Optimization Technology to Filter Design

One of the frontiers that remains in the optimization of large engineering systems is the successful application of optimization procedures in problems where direct optimization is not practical. The recent exploitation of surrogates in conjunction with “true” models, the development of artificial neural network approaches to device modeling and the implementation of space mapping are attempts to address this issue. Our original “Space Mapping” concept, first conceived in 1993, and the subsequent Aggressive Space Mapping approach to engineering design optimization will be discussed, along with new variations. Aggressive space mapping optimization closely follows the traditional experience and intuition of designers. It has been amply demonstrated as a very natural and flexible way of systematically optimizing microwave filters. Space mapping optimization intelligently links companion “coarse” and “fine” models of different complexities, e.g., full-wave electromagnetic simulations and empirical circuit-theory based simulations, to accelerate iterative design optimization of engineering structures. New trust region space mapping optimization algorithms will be mentioned. We briefly review the Expanded Space Mapping Design Framework (ESMDF) concept in which we allow preassigned parameters, not used in optimization, to change in some components of the coarse model. Other recent developments include the introduction of the object oriented SMX system to facilitate implementation of our algorithms in conjunction with certain commercial simulators. Extensive filter design examples complement the presentation.ITESO, A.C

MSEC2006-21067 SOLVING THE MULTI-OBJECTIVE FACILITY LAYOUT PROBLEM USING EVOLUTIONARY MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHMS

ABSTRACT The multi-objective facility layout problem is defined in the literature as an extension of the famous quadratic assignment problem (QAP). Most previous mathematical models tried to combine both the quantitative and the qualitative objectives into a single objective by using weighting factors. This paper introduces a multi-objective mathematical model and solves it using the revised Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEAII). The purpose of this paper is to find an efficient set of solutions "Pareto optimal set" which could be introduced to the decision maker to select the best alternative, while considering conflicting and noncommensurate objectives. A computer program is developed to define the mathematical model, code candidate solutions into genetic form, and use Evolutionary Multi-Objectiv

Neural space mapping optimization for EM-based design of RF and microwave circuits

We review Neural Space Mapping (NSM) optimization for electromagnetic-based design of RF and microwave circuits. NSM optimization exploits our Space Mapping-based neuromodeling techniques to efficiently approximate a suitable mapping at each iteration. Coarse model sensitivities are exploited to select suitable fine model base points for the initial mapping.Bandler CorporationConsejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologí