The Influence of Filler Loading on Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk Reinforced High Density Polyethylene

The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of varying filler loading on composite mechanical properties. The filler used in this research was rice husk and the matrix was high density polyethylene (HOPE). The particle size of the filler was 0.5 mm. Particulate size of' rice husks were compounded together with the matrix polymer and moulded into dog-bone shaped specimens using an injection moulding machine. In the sample preparation, rice husks were prepared using four different filler loadings which were 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt.%. The effect of the coupling agent on the mechanical properties was also investigated by incorporating 2% maleated polyethylene (MAPE) at three different filler loadings which were 5, 10 and 15 wt. %. From the microstructure observation, the surface characteristic of filler was changed when it has been dried in an oven during filler preparation process. After the drying process, the surface of rice husk appeared to be smoother than before the drying process and the ridges were less visible from the surface. Results obtained from tensile test showed that tensile strengths of the composites decreased with increasing filler loading. With the addition of compatibilizing agent, tensile strength of the composites was improved as much as 14% as filler was incorporated into the matrix at 5 wt.%. For the flexural strength, it was observed that flexural strength increases gradually with increase in filler loading. Flexural strength decreased by 16 % as 5 % filler loading added to the composite. However the flexural strength of the composites increased gradually as filler content increased to I() and 15 wt. %. Microstructural observation of the tensile fractured surfaces of samples without added compatibilizing agent showed poor compatibility of the filler-matrix as evidenced by filler debonding and pull-out. in the case of the composites with compatibilizing agent, the interfacial bonding between the filler and the matrix polymer was stronger, resulting in fracture at the filler itself and not at the interface

Selective Deep Convolutional Features for Image Retrieval

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a very powerful approach to extract discriminative local descriptors for effective image search. Recent work adopts fine-tuned strategies to further improve the discriminative power of the descriptors. Taking a different approach, in this paper, we propose a novel framework to achieve competitive retrieval performance. Firstly, we propose various masking schemes, namely SIFT-mask, SUM-mask, and MAX-mask, to select a representative subset of local convolutional features and remove a large number of redundant features. We demonstrate that this can effectively address the burstiness issue and improve retrieval accuracy. Secondly, we propose to employ recent embedding and aggregating methods to further enhance feature discriminability. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed framework achieves state-of-the-art retrieval accuracy.Comment: Accepted to ACM MM 201

Credit-worthiness Prediction in Microfinance using Mobile Data: A Spatio-network Approach

Many communities in underdeveloped and developing economies of the world suffer from lack of access to personal credit via formal financial institutions, like banks. However, with the rapid increase in Internet and mobile phone penetration rates, firms are now trying to circumvent this problem using novel technology-enabled approaches. In this research, we leverage a real-world dataset obtained in collaboration with a microfinance firm to show that locational data from mobile phones, coupled with information about communication networks, can be effectively exploited to improve prediction of loan default rates. Specifically, we draw upon recent work in network cohesion based regression modeling to develop a model that uses locational predictors, but within a networked context. We contend that the results from our research can not only illuminate how locational data might be used in assessing creditworthiness, but also empower microfinance firms in resource-poor communities with novel methods for credit scoring

Effect of unprotected interior beams on membrane behaviour of composite floor system in fire, I: Experimental investigation

A number of previous studies on tensile membrane action have been conducted and they are very valuable towards understanding the behaviour of isolated slabs as well as of floor assemblies. However, the role of unprotected interior beams in the development of TMA still has not clearly determined. This paper presents an experimental study on the effect of unprotected interior beams on the behaviour of composite floor assemblies in fire. The experimental observations and results of two one-fourth scale composite slab-beam systems, 3.15 m by 3.15 m in plan, subjected to transient-heating test are presented.The test results show that the presence of interior beams can reduce the slab deflection and greatly enhance the slab load-bearing capacity. The interior beams have a major role in helping the slab in passing through the ‘transition’ stage, and thus the slab can mobilize more tensile membrane forces. Without the interior beams, the compressive ring failure may occur resulting in a little contribution from TMA in the slab load-bearing capacity

Effect of unprotected interior beams on membrane behaviour of composite floor system in fire, II: Numerical assessment

The authors’ companion paper presented the observations and results from two one-forth scale composite beam-slab systems tested in fire. This paper introduces the numerical assessment based on these experimental results. A non-linear finite element model is developed using ABQUS/Explicit to simulate the specimen behaviour. Material properties at elevated temperatures are assumed to vary according to EN 1994-1-2 (2005). The FE model was first validated with the test results, and then was used to examine the effect of unprotected interior beams on tensile membrane action. It is found that the numerical predictions agree well with the test results. The presence of interior beams significantly affects the magnitude as well as the distribution of stress of the slab elements, i.e. mesh reinforcement and concrete slab. The part with maximum tensile force is not necessarily at the slab centre. It may be part of the concrete slab above the edge beams. Shortcomings of the numerical model in predicting the failure modes are indicated

The Hedonic Curse: Investigating the Influence of Hedonic Ads on the Evaluation of Subsequent Ads

In the age of multi-channel advertisements, it is imperative for businesses to understand how advertisements are perceived by the consumer. While several studies in marketing and information systems have studied ad design, ad effectiveness, and potential outcomes like satisfaction and sales, few have studied the effect of advertisements on a dyadic level. In this study, we point out that ads are rarely shown to consumers in isolation. Thus, understanding the effects of ad sequence is both interesting to researchers and instrumental to marketers. In the current study, we explore the effects of ad sequence when a hedonic ad is followed by a utilitarian ad or a hedonic ad. We uncover the detrimental influence of hedonic ads on ads that follow, such that users evaluate a brand as more negative when its ad follows a hedonic ad, as compared to a utilitarian ad. We call this the hedonic curse, and provide preliminary results from a quasi-natural experiment to support this claim. We also intend to conduct a lab study to provide converging evidence for this effect, and to validate the underlying mechanism