Innovative System for Seismic Control Strategies

Among various alternative approaches, installing auxiliary damping devices such as tuned mass dampers (TMDs) is a very reliable solution to mitigate wind-induced vibration of tall buildings. However, regardless of the different distribution strategies, installing TMD systems means adding additional masses to tall buildings. A valuable space on top of tall buildings is sacrificed to contain a large bulky mass, which is not aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, increasing the mass of tall buildings by installing extra mass systems is not time and cost effective process. In order to address the issues, this paper investigates the utilization of feasible alternative for the purpose of damping through system integration. An emphasis is placed on ingredient design of Double Skin Façade which produces a damping mechanism. Double Skin Façade is studied to mitigate the design limitation of the first scheme and to resolve other passive control related design issues, which is namely DSFD. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for more effective damping control system and develop of further study

Bandwidth Enhancement Techniques

In this chapter, a variety of procedures proposed in the literature to increase the impedance bandwidth of microstrip patch antennas are presented and discussed. Intrinsic techniques, proximity coupled and aperture-coupled patches, applying horizontally coupled patches to driven patch on a single layer and stacked patches are discussed. Beside the linear polarised solutions, some techniques for designing wideband circular polarised patch antennas are also presented. Furthermore, some other techniques proposed in the literature including log-periodic array of patches, E-shaped patch, L-shaped feeding, microstrip monopole slotted antenna, defected ground/patch technique and the latest works during the recent years are introduced and investigated. It is tried to make a comparison between different methods giving a typical bandwidth that can be obtained using each method, beside discussing about the benefits or limitations that each method has

Physicochemical and rheo-mechanical properties of titanium dioxide reinforced sage seed gum nanohybrid hydrogel

Sage seed gum (SSG) is a promising biopolymer candidate for utilization and substitution prevalent galactomannan gels of interest in soft biomaterial applications. Herein, physicochemical and rheo-mechanical properties of SSG matrix reinforced by various titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles loading (0-25wt%) were monitored. Particle size and density of the nanocomposite increased with raising TiO2 content, due to the creation of more compact agglomerated and aggregated microstructure. Increasing the particle size resulted in lower electrophoretic mobility of SSG-TiO2 systems upon nanoparticles addition, confirmed the adsorption of TiO2 on the SSG macromolecule. Mechanical spectra of the SSG-based nanocomposites demonstrated a more solid-like behavior by lower frequency-dependent viscoelastic moduli, suggested a structural decoration of the nanohybrid gels discussed in terms of polymer bridging effect and formation of percolated matrix-particle superstructure. Crucial textural parameters improved with increasing TiO2 until a critical level (15 wt%), after which further increments in filler resulted in a reduction of hardness, adhesiveness and apparent modulus of elasticity. Deformation of rod-like junction zones acting as physical crosslinks in the system and fracture theory were used to explain the strain-stiffening and adhesive behavior of SSG-based gels, respectively. The nanocomposite gels with tunable functional properties might be ideal candidates for biomaterial industry. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Novel nanobiocomposite hydrogels based on sage seed gum-Laponite: Physico-chemical and rheological characterization

In this study, the physico-chemical and rheo-mechanical properties of sage seed gum hydrogel, reinforced by various ratios (0-25 wt.%) of Laponite, were investigated. Particles size measurements indicated the formation of large SSG-Laponite microstructures upon nanoparticle adding, due to the interactions generated between the anionic SSG and the charged surfaces of clay platelets. Laponite affected the surface tension and density of the SSG-based systems significantly, but only influenced the-potential above 20 wt.%. The dynamic rheological behavior of SSG-based nanocomposites reflected the reinforcing effect of secondary structures and percolated three-dimensional network, suggested a structural modification of the hydrogels with the Laponite loading. An improvement in texture profile analysis parameters was observed in Laponite content 5 wt.%, whereas for nanoparticles > 5 wt.%, a significant decrease was obtained. In conclusion, Laponite improved the rheological and physico-chemical properties of SSG-based hydrogel and extended its potential as promising future bio-products for industrial applications.Peer reviewe

Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Ventilator-Induced Lung Injuries

Toll like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogens and generate an immediate defense response by inducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which rapidly destroy or limit the pathogens. In their bridging role, TLR downstream signals link innate and adaptive immunity, particularly by mediating DC maturation and activation of pathogen specific T lymphocytes. These pathways lead to the activation of professional APCs, which is followed by enhanced expression of surface molecules, MHC and co-stimulatory molecules [CD40, CD80, CD86 and CD70].TLRs are expressed in a variety of cell types, mostly within the immune system where they have been linked to different cellular activation states, immune defense, maintenance of homeostasis, and various diseases. TLRs and related immunological pathways are being extensively studied for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Most mammalian species have between ten and fifteen types of TLRs. Ten functional TLRs (TLR1-10) have been identified in human.

Investigating the impact of behavioral factors on supply network efficiency:insights from banking’s corporate bond networks

This paper highlights the role of behavioral factors for efficiency measurement in supply networks. To this aim, behavioral issues are investigated among interrelations between decision makers involved in corporate bond service networks. The corporate bond network was considered in three consecutive stages, where each stage represents the relations between two members of the network: issuer-underwriter, underwriter-bank, and bank-investor. Adopting a multi-method approach, we collected behavioral data by conducting semi-structured interviews and applying the critical incident technique. Financial and behavioral data, collected from each stage in 20 corporate bond networks, were analyzed using fuzzy network data envelopment analysis to obtain overall and stage-wise efficiency scores for each network. Sensitivity analyzes of the findings revealed inefficiencies in the relations between underwriters-issuers, banks-underwriters, and banks-investors stemming from certain behavioral factors. The results show that incorporating behavioral factors provides a better means of efficiency measurement in supply networks

An Air-filled Cavity-backed 2 72 Slot Sub-array Fed by Inverted Microstrip Gap Waveguide

\ua9 2015 EurAAP. A wideband 2 72-slot element for a 60 GHz antenna array is designed by making use of air filled cavity fed by inverted microstrip gap waveguide. The designed element is a triple layer structure in which the upper layer contains four radiating slots backed by an air-filled cavity. The cavity is excited by a coupling slot fed by an inverted microstrip gap waveguide formed in the air-gap between the middle and lower layers. The designed 2 72-slot element is considered in an infinite array environment. A sample 32 732 slot array aperture is simulated using infinite array approach. The results show that the mismatch is better than -15 dB and the directivity larger than 38 dBi over 56.3-67.9GHz frequency range, i.e. 20.7 % bandwidth

Evaluation of Scientific Outputs of Mazandaran University in Scopus during 2006- 2016

Background and aim: One of the most common methods of evaluation of researchers' scientific outputs and their affiliated organizations is using different methods of scientometrics, which is done by a citation databases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific outputs of Mazandaran University from 2006 to 2016. Material and methods: This descriptive study was conducted using scientometric approach. Research population was the indexed papers in Scopus citation (4091 documents). Data related to articles with the affiliation of (AF-ID = "University of Mazandaran") were searched in the Scopus. Then, the time limit for scientific output was defined (LIMIT-TO (PUBYEAR)) and the final research was conducted. Finally, data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS. Findings: The results showed that the scientific outputs of Mazandaran University have increased during the study period. The least amount of scientific output was in 2006, and the highest in 2013. The largest number of indexed documents, the most received citations, and the prolific authors (60%) belong to the Faculty of Chemistry and Physics. In terms of the type of the indexed scientific documents, the largest number was related to research papers (93/4%), In terms of scientific collaboration and inter-organizational co-authorship, Mazandaran University had the most cooperation with neighboring universities. Conclusion: Totally, due to the ascending trend of recorded documents until 2013 and its descending one in the following years and for observing the research results of researchers in the world and reaching the University to the peak of their scientific publications, this University authorities should be provided the conditions in which the researchers can achieve to the necessary motivation and ability for publication in valid scientific journals

The Comparative Semantics of the Term Irteqab (Revelation) in Sunni and Shi’ite Exegesis

Translators of the words of Wahy (revelation) have considered some vocabularies as synonymous with each other in the translation of the Qur’an. Moreover, sometimes they have applied one single meaning as equivalent for different Arabic words in the Qur’an while paying attention to the accurate meaning of the words is a way to untangle the mystery of some Quranic verses and traditions. Using pictorial translation can provide a more meaningful translation than what Sunni and Shi’ite translators have already stated in their books. The term “Irteqab” in Sunni and Shi’ite exegesis is considered as synonymous with “waiting” so its semantic delicacies are ignored. Comparing Sunni and Shi’ite exegetic theories, it is attempted in this study to delve deep into the ignored points in translation and to analyze the semantics of the term using pictorial interpretative method relying on the Qur’an and the style of the verses in the story of Naqeh Saleh (the miracle camel of Prophet Saleh) in Surah al-Qamar. In addition to maintaining conceptual structure and consistency with the concepts provided by verbal dictionaries, the pictorial interpretative method in this study represents more accurate, tangible, and practical meaning along with the Quranic divine programs for the intended words. Among Sunni and Shi’ite early commentators, Zeyd ibn Ali, Hasan ibn Abi al-Hasan, Abu Sa’iid Khudri, and most importantly Imam Ali (PBUH) have discussed the subject of “Irteqab in Surah Ad-Dukhan” more precisely