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In high demand contexts, uni- or multi-modal signals are used to convey redundant information and improve performance. This is especially the case with improving the detection of discrete peripheral signals. However, how one processes peripheral signals may change depending on the greater environmental context. The underlying cognitive processing of signals is important to determine how they may influence the degree to which each signal enhances, as opposed to slows down, detection. Until now, it was unclear if i) the introduction of, or increased difficulty of, a second task changes how people combine peripheral signals (that is, in a parallel, serial, or coactive fashion) and ii) if processing efficiency depends on the salience of the peripheral signals or the presence/difficulty of a centrally located and continuous tracking task. This manuscript describes an application of Systems Factorial Technology to investigate the cognitive processing mechanisms of redundant signals in the context of a multiple object tracking (MOT) task. The MOT task load (track 0, 1, or 4 dots) and the salience of peripheral signals (bright, dim) were manipulated. The data indicate peoples' processing of peripheral signals changed depending on the MOT task load. Under a high MOT task load, most people processed redundant signals in a parallel fashion. Alternatively, nearly half of people processed the signals in a serial fashion when asked to simultaneously track 0 or 1 dot. Implications for the use and design of redundant signals in multi-task contexts that vary in task demands are discussed.

Steel concrete beams have a reasonable structure in terms of using material and high load carrying capacity. This paper deals with an approximate solution based on a trigonometric series for the static of steel concrete beams. The displacement field is based on the higher-order theory using Reddy’s hypothesis. The governing equations are derived from variation principles. An approximate solution based on the representation of displacement fields by trigonometric series is developed to solve the static problem of steel concrete beams. In order to verify the accuracy of the present approximate solution, numerical results are compared with those of exact solutions using classical beam theory. The displacements and nominal stress distributions in the depth direction are obtained with various high of beams. The present approximate approach can accurately predict the displacements and stresses of steel concrete beams.

This study evaluates the bond performance of reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer concrete by using experiments and numerical analysis. Three types of mixture proportions along with two types of reinforcement diameter, (d12, ribbed bar) and (d14, smooth bar) mm, were selected for experimental work. The bond behaviour of reinforced geopolymer concrete is determined using the pullout test, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The test data indicated that the bond strength of reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer concrete increases with the increase in compressive strength. The concrete cover to diameter ratio (c/db) increases from 4.86 to 5.75 and the bond strength of all three groups of samples also increases. Besides, the bond stress-slip curves obtained by the ABAQUS software closely match the results from experimental works. Furthermore, the parametric analyses show that when the compressive strength of geopolymer concreteincreases, the bond strength of reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer concrete increases. These results are consistent with the test data.

Résumé : Le poète burkinabé Frédéric Paceré Titinga demeure sans conteste, l’un des défenseurs de l’Afrique et de ses valeurs. Dans Poèmes pour l’Angola, il prend pour appui l’Angola pour encenser toute l’Afrique. En le faisant, il exprime son afro-optimisme. Dans sa démarche, le poète met en valeur le langage tambouriné y compris la sagesse des ancêtres. Dans ce sens, Titinga convie l’ensemble des africains à renouer avec leurs croyances traditionnelles voire à s’en approprier. Ce faisant, le poète arrive à la déduction suivante : si la guerre est d’ordinaire vue comme une catastrophe, il faut tout de même la faire quand il s’agit de défendre sa dignité. En somme, à l’aide de la méthode stylistique de Georges Molinié, il a été possible d’analyser les effets langagiers du poète burkinabé pour finalement le comprendre comme un écrivain engagé pour la cause des africains. Mots-clés : Afrique, ancêtre, Angola, afro-optimisme, tam-tam

The waste-to-wealth program refers to the process of transforming waste from depleted usefulness to valued and desired utility. The waste-to-wealth program consists of recycling, upcycling and composting. This study explores the types of waste generated and waste disposal practices by the Delta Tumpat, Kelantan community and explores the waste-to-wealth program’s potential. A total of 280 respondents participated in this study using stratified sampling. This study found the high potential to introduce waste-to-wealth programs to the community of Delta Tumpat based on the abundance of organic wastes generated, as well as the high awareness of waste-to-wealth and willingness to participate in waste- to-wealth programs in the future. Organic waste is the most generated waste by the Delta Tumpat community. Food and agriculture waste are the most significant contributors to the organic waste in the Delta of Tumpat. Burning is the primary disposal practice due to a lack of knowledge of sustainable waste disposal practices. Better intervention programs and initiatives are needed to increase the community’s willingness to participate in the waste- to-wealth program.

The current work illustrates how successfully rice husk-activated carbon eliminates hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions. The design of experiment (DOE) - response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to build an appropriate experimental model. The experimental variables pH, contact length, and adsorbent dose were found, as well as their interactions and effects on Cr(VI) removal. The greatest result for Cr(VI) removal was obtained at pH = 2, agitation time of about 30.5 hours, and adsorbent dose = 4 g/l, with a starting hexavalent chromium content of 100 ppm. Hexavalent chromium removal is performed optimally under the parameters specified for these driving forces. ANOVA also demonstrated a strong coefficient of determination R2 > 99 %. Furthermore, Temkin isotherm and pseudosecond kinetic models with high R2 values were selected as useful for the inquiry. It illustrates that the removal of hexavalent chromium in studies is considered to follow a regular distribution of binding energies up to a given maximum binding energy. Furthermore, the rate of adsorption site occupancy is inversely proportional to the square of the number of unoccupied sites on the adsorbent.

This paper deal with the stochastic finite element method for investigating the eigenvalues of free vibration of non-uniform beams due to a random field of elastic modulus. The formulation of stochastic analysis of the non-uniform beam is established using perturbation method in conjunction with finite element method. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) used for validation with stochastic finite element approach. The spectral representation was used to generate a random field to employ the Monte Carlo simulation. The performance of results of the uncertain eigenvalue problem of non-uniform beams with random field of elastic modulus by comparing the first-order perturbation technique with the same moments evaluated from the Monte Carlo simulation. The numerical results show that the response of coefficient of variation of eigenvalue increases when the ratio of correlation distance of random field increases.

Background: The contributions of arts and humanities to medical education are known in the medical education community, but medical schools’ offerings vary. The Companion Curriculum (CC) is a student-curated set of optional humanities content for medical students at the University of Toronto. This study evaluates integration of the CC to identify key enabling conditions for medical humanities engagement. Methods: A mixed-methods evaluation gauged usage and perceptions of integration of the CC among medical students using an online survey and focus groups. Narrative data underwent thematic analysis, supported by summary statistics of quantitative data. Results: Half of survey respondents were aware of the CC (n = 67/130; 52%), and, once prompted with a description, 14% had discussed it in their tutorial groups. Of students using the CC, 80% reported learning something new regarding their roles as communicators and health advocates. Themes were the perceived value of the humanities, internal student barriers, institutional neglect of the humanities, and student critiques and recommendations. Conclusion: Despite participants’ interest in medical humanities, our CC remains underused. To improve humanities’ visibility in the MD curriculum, our results indicate that greater institutional support, including faculty development and early curricular integration, is required. Further study should explore reasons for gaps between interest and participation.

One of the main difficulties of the operational modal analysis is to deal with underdetermined problems in which the number of sensors is less than the number of active modes. In the last decade, methods based on the PARAllel FACtor (PARAFAC) decomposition have attracted a lot of attention in the field of modal analysis because it has been proven that these methods can deal with underdetermined cases, as well as the presence of harmonic excitations. Moreover, in combination with kurtosis value as a harmonic indicator, this makes them more efficient in distinguishing between harmonic and structural components. However, it can lead to distorted results as it does not take into account the variation in the length of the covariance functions of the modal coordinates. Since the kurtosis values are estimated from these covariance functions, the length of the latter directly affects the kurtosis. To overcome this limit, the present study proposes to introduce the choice of the length of these functions based on their frequency and damping coefficient. This change improves the existing method by more efficient separating between harmonics and modal components. The proposed procedure is validated using numerical simulations, followed by ambient vibration measurements.

Biofilm preservation has become a topic of interest among many scientists. A recent study involved the production of chitosan-based biofilms containing varying amounts of aloe vera gel (5%, 10% and 15% w/w). Evaluation of film formation, water absorption, swelling ratio, solubility, antibacterial ability, colouration, and biodegradability indicated that chitosan film added with 10% aloe vera (CS-10%AV) had the best properties. The study also found that using CS-A10 film to preserve tomatoes helped maintain the fruit’s colour and shape for longer while retaining vitamin C and acids for an extended period.

This study describes a modified method to prepare nanomagnetic coated sugarcane bagasse. Under the general chemicals: iron (II) sulphate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O); sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3.6H2O) these were commercially available and a simple method, authors were successfully synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated sugarcane bagasse. These nanoparticles were heterogenous and formed nanoclusters on the sugarcane bagasse surface under Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. Herein, we show that given the right experimental circumstances, the novel and prospective nanomagnetic sugarcane bagasse might prove to be an intriguing adsorbent for a variety of applications. For tetracycline removal case study: the studied material was significantly adsorbed this contaminant with the highest adsorption capacity was 15 mg/g under 25 mg/L initial tetracycline concentration; pH 6; equilibrium time: 15 hours; and magnetic nanoparticle sugarcane bagasse: 1 g/L. The fundamental result in the research denotes that the material could be a potential adsorbent for eliminating various contaminants in upcoming studies.

The university’s activities significantly impact the surrounding environment. The sustainable development paradigm has emphasised the importance of sustainable waste management practices at all levels of institutions, including implementing Waste-to-Wealth initiatives. This study is conducted to investigate the student’s level of knowledge and participation regarding Waste-to-Wealth initiatives. A convenience sampling method was employed to gather data from 368 students of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), which was then analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses. The results showed varying levels of student knowledge based on demographics and that overall, the level of knowledge about Waste-to-Wealth initiatives was good (mean score = 3.83/6). However, most student participation in these initiatives is low (71.7%). This study revealed that their knowledge and demographic background (year of study, education background, income) influences students’ participation in Waste-to-Wealth programs. These findings suggest that more effort is needed to enhance student participation in Waste-to-Wealth initiatives.

Wastewater reuse is very important in ensuring a stable water supply for the socio-economic development of cities in the future. That is even more meaningful for areas affected by climate change erratic, hot, arid, scarce and polluted due to different causes. Specifically, many regions and urban areas in Vietnam have not been proactive in water resources upstream; runoff through agricultural, industrial and urban areas contaminated by farming, industrial waste, wastewater and municipal solid waste. Based on published studies on the role and situation of wastewater reuse in urbans, as well as on legal documents Vietnam's current management related to wastewater drainage and reuse, the article presents how to calculate and determine the water demand in urban areas for calculating capacity of water supply plants; to set up the balance diagram of water supply and drainage for all types of urban areas (from special to grade V urbans) and the balance diagram of water supply and drainage in the works. The research results will be considered as a scientific basis for state management agencies as well as local authorities to appropriately and effectively use in formulating strategic orientations and objectives for urban water supply and drainage management in Vietnam urban areas.

At present, Viet Nam is intensifying work on the preparation of the construction of the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) with a new research reactor (10 MWt capacity, with the possibility of increasing the capacity to 15 MWt). The implementation of this project will improve Vietnam’s nuclear infrastructure and will become a reliable stepping-stone for the further development of nuclear energy. The main tasks of the CNST are solving tasks in the field of science, engineering, and technology; conducting research in the field of production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial purposes, conversion of materials, and reactor materials science; conducting fundamental and applied research in nuclear physics, experimental research in physical processes; training and advanced training of personnel in the field of nuclear energy. This article presents and analyzes the legal system of Vietnam on environmental protection, up-to-date documents related to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of Vietnam and international organizations. Issues requiring attention related to the EIA on the radiological aspect during the implementation of the CNST project at the construction stage, trial, and normal operation are considered. The structure of Guidance on the appraisal of the EIA report (GAR EIA) for Vietnam’s CNST project is presented.

Weeds are one of the main factors affecting orchard yield, fruit quality and economic benefits. However, present methods have been lower effect and high labor intensity. To inhance the effect of weeds control on orchard, a new green and economic agent suitable for drone with choline chloride and eucalyptus oil as the main components was developed. Adopting optimized “3414” test design, the paper studied the prevention and control effect of this new weed control agent on 8 kinds of main weeds in the orchards of the Yellow-Huai Rivers. The results showed that T5 and T12 were significantly (P≤0.05) control the growth speed of 8 kinds of weeds, T4 was only inhibit the growth of Erigeron canadensis, Digitaria sanguinalis and Artemisia annua, T11 was only inhibit the growth of Tribulus terrestris, Humulus scandens and Cyperus rotundus, and T3 and T13 were promote the growth of weeds, which had the worst control effect among all treatments. Combined with the economic benefit analysis, the cost per 667m2 of weed control of T12 was 124 RMB, which was the most economical compared with manual weeding and mechanical weeding. Therefore, applying 30g choline chloride, 120 mL eucalyptus oil and 75g sucrose ester to each 667m2 is recommended to be popularized as a new green and economical weed control agent in the orchard production of the Yellow-Huai Rivers.

Background: Prior studies have shown that most conference submissions fail to be published. Understanding factors that facilitate publication may be of benefit to authors. Using data from the Canadian Conference on Medical Education (CCME), our goal was to identify characteristics of conference submissions that predict the likelihood of publication with a specific focus on the utility of peer-review ratings. Methods: Study characteristics (scholarship type, methodology, population, sites, institutions) from all oral abstracts from 2011-2015 and peer-review ratings for 2014-2015 were extracted by two raters. Publication data was obtained using online database searches. The impact of variables on publication success was analyzed using logistic regressions. Results: Of 531 abstracts with peer-review ratings, 162 (31%) were published. Of the 9 analyzed variables, those associated with a greater odds of publication were: multiple vs. single institutions (odds ratio (OR) = 1.72), post-graduate research vs. others (OR=1.81) and peer-review ratings (OR=1.60). Factors with decreased odds of publication were curriculum development (OR=0.17) and innovation vs. others (OR=0.22). Conclusion: Similar to other studies, the publication rate of CCME presentations is low. However, peer ratings were predictive of publication success suggesting that ratings could be a useful form of feedback to authors.

Parmi les instruments internationaux issus de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur l’environnement et le développement ou Sommet de la Terre, qui s’est tenue en 1992 à Rio de Janeiro (Brésil), la Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification a été adoptée à Paris le 17 juin 1994. 193 États l’ont ratifiée. En effet, reconnaissant la désertification comme un problème environnemental, social et économique grave et persistant, malgré les efforts de la communauté internationale pour en venir à bout, les États présents à Rio ont exprimé leurs préoccupations face à ce problème et ont pris la résolution de préparer un accord dédié à la lutte contre la désertification. Cet accord est devenu l’une des pierres angulaires du droit international de l’environnement. Juridiquement contraignant pour les Parties qui doivent en appliquer les dispositions, les échos du discours global qu’il véhicule sont appelés à être intégrés aux politiques nationales des Parties, particulièrement les pays les plus affectés par le phénomène de désertification comme le Burkina Faso. Le présent article a pour objectif de questionner la mise en œuvre de la Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification dans ce pays, plus d’une vingtaine d’années après son adoption, afin de porter un regard critique sur le chemin parcouru et celui qu’il reste à parcourir pour en vue des objectifs de la Convention.

This editorial introduces the special issue dedicated to sampling models.

Frost heave of canal foundation soil is the main factor of destroying canal system engineering in the cold area. Restricted by technical and economic conditions, further evaluation of the frost heaving index and system of the large channel in cold areas where needed. Based on the field investigation and relevant evaluation methods, several evaluation indexes such as water content, compaction coefficient, fine grain content, and cumulative negative surface gas temperature, the direction of canal slope are selected. Combined with the observation results of the prototype test field for many years, the frost heave degree of large channel foundation soil was comprehensively evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to standardize the evaluation method of frost heave characteristics of canal foundation soil in cold region, which has important guiding significance for the prevention and control of road frost damage in the cold region.

In this work we proposed a method to verify the differentiating characteristics of simple tea infusions prepared in boiling water alone, which represents the final product as ingested by the consumers. For this purpose, total of 125 tea samples from different geographical provines of Vietnam have been analyzed in UV-Vis spectroscopy associated with multivariate statistical methods. Principal Component Analysis-Discriminant Analysis (PCA-DA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were compared to construct the identification model. The experimental results showed that the performance of ANN model was better than PCA-DA and PLS-DA model. The optimal ANN model was achieved when neuron numbers were 200, identification rate being 99% in the training set and 84% predition set. The proposed methodology provides a simpler, faster and more affordable classification of simple tea infusions, and can be used as an alternative approach to traditional tea quality evaluation.

In laboratory conditions, the analysis of the total toxicity of some technogenically disturbed soils of the Belgorod region was carried out using bioassays: Daphnia magna Straus, green algae Scenedesmus quadricauda (Tiger) and Lepidium sativum L. As a result of the experiments, the degree of toxicity of the tested soils was established. The conducted studies confirm the high information content when using three bioassays for the analysis of total soil toxicity.

This article presents the features of temperature change at different deformation-velocity parameters of radial-shear rolling process. Based on modeling the maps of temperature and strain rates distribution and zone of intensive heating are obtained. It is shown that with the elongation ratio μ≥1.5, the deformation heating increases more intensively at lower heating temperatures of the workpiece. The rods are obtained from 1050A alloy (Al99.5 %) with mechanical properties (UTS ~ 111 MPa, YS ~ 109 MPa, δ ~ 15%), reflecting the partially recrystallized structure.

This paper presents the use of the results of the shifting method of relay feedback identification for tuning the Proportional-Integral-Derivative controllers. Parameters of the second order plus time delay models estimated by the shifting method of relay feedback identification were used to compute controller parameters. Behaviour of closed loop systems with tuned controllers was tested and compared for three simulated systems and one real laboratory system. All tests were performed on the programmable logic controller Tecomat Foxtrot. In all the studied cases the use of the tuned controllers resulted in correct control of the system.

In longwall mining where use frame support and control roof by full caving; rocks could impact the support, damage some its details and reduce support’s longevity. Using waste, elastic, and deformable capability materials (like old truck tires) not only reduce impulse which impact the support fatally and increase support’s longevity, but also contribute to protect the environment.

Climate Change and Cassava Processing in Southeast Nigeria. Climate change is perhaps the most serious environmental threat to whom African agriculture is confronted today, essentially because of its impact on pre- and post-harvest agricultural productivity. Available literature shows that most of the recent studies on climate change and agriculture were mainly focused on pre-harvest, with little or no emphasis on post-harvest issues. This study aims to provide empirical information on the effect of climate change on cassava processing and on the cost-effectiveness of indigenous adaptation practices relative thereto. The study was conducted in two randomly selected states of southeast Nigeria and in four randomly selected agricultural zones, two from each state. The data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire administered to 320 randomly selected cassava processors. The result of the analysis shows that the respondents were predominantly women who, in addition to cassava processing, also grow cassava. Virtually all of them were, not only aware of climate change, but also aware that it will have effects on cassava post-harvest operations. The respondents suggest that as a result of climate change, the length of time cassava tubers can stay in the soil without spoiling has been decreasing while the water content of cassava tubers has been increasing. In addition, the storage quality of all the products has been deteriorating, just as the growth of spoilage moulds in the products during storage has been increasing. Moreover, the fermentation period for akpu and alibo has been increasing while there has been a general decline in the quantity of product yield after processing for all the products. Some of the adaptation measures used by the processors include increased use of water, palm oil, hired labour and wood fuel, increased harvesting of cassava earlier than usual, processing of more adaptive varieties of cassava, shifts in the timing of processing as the weather also shifts and increased fermentation in the open spaces. There were also some relatively new adaptation practices such as the use of detergents, nails, beans and bitter leaf to aid fermentation, especially for the production of akpu and alibo. In terms of profitability, the four adaptation practices with high profitability indices were, in order of decreasing importance, increased use of sundrying, water, hired labor and palm oil. The study therefore recommends that breeding of improved varieties of cassava should begin to target those that are tolerant to excessive and extreme fluctuations of rainfall, heat and flood. In addition, the adaptation practices with high profitability indices should be vigorously disseminated. Also, further studies, especially on the chemistry of the observed relatively new adaptation practices should be explored.

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[fr] La région de San-Pedro est localisée dans le sud-ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire et couvre une superficie de 6912 km2. Les ressources en eau exploitées dans cette région sont constituées des eaux de surface et des eaux souterraines des aquifères des altérites et de fissures du socle précambrien. La présente étude a pour objectif d’analyser les propriétés hydrodynamiques des aquifères fissurés de San-Pedro d’un point de vue statistique et géostatistique, en vue d’une meilleure connaissance et gestion des ressources en eau souterraine. La base de données comporte 110 forages captant les eaux des fissures profondes. La transmissivité a été déterminée par interprétation des essais de pompage à l’aide des méthodes classiques. Le débit spécifique (Q/s) a été calculé pour tous les forages au niveau du troisième palier, après correction des rabattements. Les valeurs de la transmissivité et du débit spécifique oscillent respectivement entre 1,27.10-6 et 8,59.10-4 m2.s-1 et entre 1,09.10-2 m2.h-1 et 13,2 m2.h-1. Ces deux paramètres s’échelonnent sur trois ordres de grandeurs montrant l’hétérogénéité du milieu. Une relation empirique a été établie entre la transmissivité et le débit spécifique pour la région de San-Pedro. Cette relation peut être utilisée pour la détermination de la transmissivité dans les secteurs où elle fait défaut. Le variogramme de la transmissivité est caractérisé par une double structuration. L’estimation de la transmissivité par krigeage est satisfaisante car les valeurs observées et estimées sont comparables. Les résultats acquis dans cette étude concourent à une meilleure compréhension des propriétés hydrogéologiques du sud-ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire.

This paper presents the comparison of an experimental investigation on compressive strength and dynamic elastic moduli of mortars made of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) incorporating with calcined dolomite. Dolomite powder calcined at temperature 900°C emerged as a GGBFS activator for producing cementitious mortar binder. In this study, no-cement mortar is made by activating GGBFS with calcined dolomite by a fixed amount of 20 wt%. The compressive strengths and dynamic elastic moduli were measured at 7 and 28 days. Comparing with cement mortar, the compressive strength of no-cement mortar was found about 54.4 and 46.9% lower at ages of 7 and 28 days, respectively. Non-destructive evaluation of the dynamic elastic moduli was investigated by impulse excitation technique (IET). It measures the resonant frequencies of induced vibration signal in the flexural and torsional mode for determining the dynamic Young's modulus and the dynamic shear modulus. The Poisson's ratio was calculated by the dynamic Young's modulus and the dynamic shear modulus relationship. The results showed that the 28-day dynamic Young's and shear moduli of cement mortar were 31.91 and 14.43 GPa, respectively. The dynamic Young's and shear moduli of no-cement mortar were lower by 23.3 and 15.2% than that of cement mortar at the age of 28 days. The obtained results showed that the 28-day Poisson's ratio of no-cement mortar had a wider range between 0.177 and 0.209 than that of cement mortar which ranged from 0.180 to 0.185.

This article describes the implementation of a gaming machine of “Mafia Wars” using Arduino UNO board and some other electrical components for the construction. The gaming machine is designed by the following items, such as game story setting, interactive elements for the game play, game art, state machine for the game process, coding, electrical components, and hardware construction, etc. There are INTRO, ROULETTE, SLAP, WAR and End Round states in this game. Some important interactive mechanisms with Arduino board for the gaming machine are designed and illustrated in this study. The hardware of the gaming machine consists of an Arduino UNO, a LCD screen, a photo resistor, several resistors, LEDs, buttons, plastic coins, game art decoration and the wood shielding box. Finally, the resultant functions of the gaming machine are tested by playing and the testing results demonstrate the good working performance.

This paper is devoted to present a closed-form solution based on the approach of the conventional convergence-confinement method to study the effect of the movement of the tunnel face during the excavation on the stress-strain state of the surrounding medium and the interaction between the ground and the support for a deep tunnel in poroelastic anisotropic medium. In this study, a hydro-mechanical coupling behaviour of the ground at the steady-state of the groundwater flow will be taken into account. The obtained solution could be used as a quick tool to calibrate tunnels in elastic porous medium. Some numerical estimations indicate that, a hydro-mechanical model of the medium should be considered in tunnel design.

This paper aims to examine the engineering properties of ternary blended no-cement mortar which subjected to the various elevated temperatures exposure. The mortars were produced by mixing ground granulated blast furnace slag (S), Type-F fly ash (F) and circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) fly ash (C). The water-to-binder ratio was fixed at 0.40 and the CFBC fly ash content was fixed at 15 wt.% of the mixture that acts as the main activator. The specimens were exposed to the elevated temperatures ranging from 200°C to 800°C. The mass loss, compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity were determined before and after exposure to the elevated temperatures. The obtained results showed after exposed to high temperature, the mortar weight reduction was discovered in the range of 6.0–8.7% when temperature rose from 200°C to 600°C, and decreased significantly up to 12.4% as temperature reached 800°C. The major strength loss occurred after 600°C with the residual compressive strength approximately at 44.2%. At 200°C, increased strength was found on SFC mixture and when temperature rose to 400°C, the specimens still can resist the load reliably with the strength loss less than 8.0%. Consequently, SFC mortar generates good durability and heat resistance below 400°C.

Alumina cement which was used in this investigation contains about 56% of Al2O3 in the component. Early compressive strength alumina cement at 1 and 3 days can be achieved of 85% compressive strength value at 28 days. After a long period of hydration, the compressive strength of alumina cement harder decreased due to the releasing process of aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] to the outside environment [1, 4,11]. To improve and maintain the long lasting compressive strength of alumina cement harden, new binders would be created SiO2- Al2O3 and among CaO-SiO2-Al2O3. The new binders would exist sustainably in the cement harden as a result of the chemical reaction between the product of hydrated cement called gel [Al(OH)3] with micro silica (amorphous SiO2) [4]. This report demonstrates the result of the investigation which is about the effect of silica fume and fly ash on alumina cement.

In this paper, it is the research topic focus on the electrical characteristics analysis of lithium phosphate iron (LiFePO4) batteries pack of power type. LiFePO4 battery of power type has performance advantages such as high capacity, lower toxicity and pollution, operation at high temperature environment and many cycling times in charging and discharge and so on. The charging and discharging characteristics for LiFePO4 batteries of power type pack have been verified and discussed by the actual experiment. Base on the 12V10AH LiFePO4 battery was proceeding on charging and discharging test with over high current value and which investigate the parameters such as the internal resistance, the related charge and discharge characteristics of LiFePO4 battery pack, the actual value of internal voltage and internal resistance of the battery pack and by polynomial mathmatic model to approach the accury of inner resistance on discharging mode.

In the electricity market, the real-time balance of electricity generation and consumption is a main task. In view of this, power providers usually sign contracts with their critical consumers (i.e., usually large-scale industrial companies) for managing their capacity demands. On the other hand, aggregators group commercial and residential consumers, and integrate their demands to negotiate with power providers. With a proper grouping of numerous electricity consumers, aggregators help to ensure stable electric supply, and reduce the burden of managing many consumers. In this work, we thus propose a novel data clustering approach to group complementary consumers based on their usage patterns (i.e., daily electricity consumption curves.) Furthermore, we incorporate the technique of discrete wavelet transform to speed up the clustering process. Specifically, approximations reconstructed from only a few wavelet coefficients may precisely capture the shape of original usage patterns. Experimental results based on a real dataset show that our approach is promising in practical applications.

Most of the earth embankments in central Vietnam are usually built with clays. Some types of clays in this area are swollen. If they are used to build dams, it can be detrimental to the embankment. Based on the results of laboratory test analysis, the authors investigated swelling characteristics of some soil types in the study area and found that the swelling rate of soil increases with the compaction of the soil sample. When swelling under pressure in approaching water over time, the swelling coefficient of the soil decreases significantly. Thus, swelling clays can be used to make dams, but they must be put in the appropriate position for the purpose of not swelling freely.