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A polymer with pores close to a straight line was prepared by adding a plasticizer lactic acid to cellulose propionate. We succeeded in preparing for the porous cellulose propionate (CP) by a low-cost and eco-friendly manufacturing process with water treatment technology. The CP used in this study has a higher molecular weight and better mechanical strength than the cellulose acetate (CA) widely used for the membrane. In general, as the molecular weight of the polymer increases, the mechanical strength can be stronger. Thus, porous CP can be manufactured as a single film without additional polymer support. The additive LA can penetrate into the CP chains and plasticize the membrane to form pores. The manufactured membrane was installed in a water treatment machine and hydraulic pressure was applied from 2 to 7 bar. The surface and the cross-section of the membrane were verified using SEM, and the membrane, to which hydraulic pressure was applied with a plasticizer, showed a surface in which pores were generated. Then, FT-IR was investigated to confirm how the interaction between the functional groups between CP and LA changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the increase in capacity of Sanmenxia and Xiaolangdi sediment discharge without reducing the flood carrying capacity of the lower reaches of the Yellow River, by making full use of the water and sediment information of the lower reaches of the Yellow River, the information of the river statistic siltation cross-section, and the method of analysis of the dangerous water scale information, we analyzed the recovery of the flushing of Sanmenxia and Xiaolangdi reservoirs in the three years with the largest sediment discharge from 2018 to 2020, the flushing and siltation of the sediment quantity method in the lower reaches of the Yellow River during the flood period, the section method in the longitudinal and lateral scouring and siltation, water level with the same flow and variation of bankfull discharge in the Yellow River. The results show that by silting the reservoir discharge in the wide channel with large sediment capacity in the lower Yellow River during the sediment discharge period and gradually scouring the silt away in other periods, the flood carrying capacity of the river channel below Gaocun is not only not decreased but also increased significantly. It is concluded that this technique of co-ordinated cross-year succession regulation of reservoir channel sediment is realistic and feasible for the current river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As emerging technologies, numerous studies were carried out based on multiple input multiple output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) system that includes both experimental and theoretical demonstrations. MIMO-VLC system significantly suffers from performance deficiency. Recently, Orthogonal Frequency division multiplexing is utilized for maintaining transmission rate and spectral efficiency. LED selection process plays a vital role in enhancing efficiency of generalized LED index modulation system with the adoption of MAP detection component that is greatly influenced by correlation among LED. Therefore, this paper designs a novel concept named fuzzy dynamic arithmetic optimization (FDAO) algorithm for the selection of optimal channel capacity. The proposed FDAO algorithm combines the mechanism of fuzzy logic system with the dynamic arithmetic optimization algorithm to select candidates with good channel capacity. FDAO algorithm automatically extracts and removes the candidate influenced by inaccurate active decisions and optimally selects the candidate solution with good channel capacity. Finally, the comparative analysis is carried out for diverse existing approaches with respect to bit error rate (BER) and index error rate (IER). The experimental analysis reveals that the proposed approach exhibited minimum BER and IER than other techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars of language and culture have effectively used the language ideology concept to critique the referentialist assumption in the post-Enlightenment conceptualization of language and society. Continuing with this critical project, this article attempts a further reorientation of our analytic metalanguage to explore the ideology of the phatic, the way in which salient emphasis is placed on problems regarding communicative channels of contact. The article identifies this ideology in the increasingly visible role played by phatic labor and its concrete manifestations in scenes of service and affective labor in contemporary Japan. Two separate instances are analyzed to reveal their common engagement with channels of contact as a metapragmatic concern. First, I analyze one Japanese restaurant chain's attempt to design and control the material zone of contact in dining experience, as indicative of the larger tendency in the contemporary economy to standardize consumer desire at the level of the phatic. Second, I look to the culture of celebrity, especially popular idols, and examine the institutionalization of fan-idol contact that has become a hegemonic marketing strategy. These cases witness rituals of public encounter that either work to hybridize human speech acts with nonhuman speech-actants inhabiting the material environment of contact, or to regulate forms of interaction deemed detrimental to the channel of affect through monitoring, interruption, and other forms of phatic policing. I use this analysis to draw attention to the necessity of taking the phatic function seriously in the scholarly exploration of language ideology. While scholars in various fields have frequently spoken of the centrality of communicative labor in postindustrial societies, the analytic focus on ideologization of the phatic offers a more precise theoretical and empirical framework for examining how communication is fetishized as the central site of political and economic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Beijing University of Technology is the property of Journal of Beijing University of Technology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aiming at the problem that the existing channel leakage calculation methods generally ignore the dynamic changes of influencing factors, which leads to a large calculation error, this study attempts to utilize the machine learning method to accurately calculate the channel leakage loss under the dynamic changes in the influencing factors. By using the machine learning method to analyze the impact of dynamic changes in the flow rate and soil moisture content over time on the channel leakage loss in the water transmission process and quantify the impact of the selected factors on the leakage loss, a dynamic simulation model of the multi-parameter channel leakage loss was constructed, and a test was carried out in the irrigation area to verify the accuracy of the model. The test results are as follows: the actual leakage loss of the U1 channel is 1094.03 m3, the simulated value of the model is the 1005.24 m3, and the error between the simulated value and the measured value is 8.12%; the total leakage of the U2 channel is 1111.24 m3, the simulated value of the model is 1021.1 m3, and the error between the simulated value and the measured value is 6.31%. The experimental results show that the use of machine learning to construct a dynamic simulation model of channel leakage loss under the comprehensive consideration of the dynamic change in influencing factors over time has a better effect, and the calculation accuracy is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid friction stir channeling (HC) is a recent manufacturing technique, reinforcing the broad range of solutions provided by the technological domain of solid-state friction stir-based welding and processing. HC enables the simultaneous welding of multiple components and the sub-surface channeling within the desired region at the stir zone. HC provides new demanding solutions having free path sub-surface channeling and welding for multi-material components with optimized physical and chemical performances. In the present investigation, a multi-material system consisting of 8 mm thick Al-Mg alloy (AA5083) and 3 mm thick oxygen free copper (Cu-OF) was processed by HC. A specially designed tool consists of the probe's body features that steer materials extraction and the probe's tip features that generate materials mixing was applied to produce sub-surface channel at AA5083, along with its simultaneous welding to Cu-OF material. Visual examination of the AA5083′s surface processed by the shoulder, cross-sectional dimensioning, optical 3D scanning of the internal surfaces of the channel, optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and micro-hardness measurements were applied to investigate the results. The successful application of HC to manufacture multi-material Al-Cu component is demonstrated. A large sub-surface quasi rectangular channel with 9.6 mm in width per 3.3 mm in height was produced in the AA5083 rib along with defect free welding to thin Cu-OF plate at just below the channel region multi-material. The resulted sub-surface channel was consisted of unique wall surface features, with non-uniform and non-oriented surface roughness, suitable to activate turbulent fluid flow. The microhardness field depicts a higher-strength domain of the stirred material, at the ceiling of the sub-surface channel in comparison with the base materials. The welding zone comprises a metal matrix composite structure with Al-Cu inter-mixing and a mechanical hooking from Cu into the Al matrix. The metallurgical features of the weld stirred zone were analyzed, with an interpretation of Al-Cu phases, and solid solution of Al and Cu in each other. In this zone, Cu-rich lamellae regions are dispersed within the Al-matrix, presenting thin layers of discontinuous intermetallic compounds. The effective potential of manufacturing multi-material component for applicability in thermal management system is demonstrated. [Display omitted] • Multimaterial Al-Cu Component by Hybrid friction stir Channeling (HC) is presented for the first time. • Sub-superficial channel produced on Al rib along with defect free welding to thin Cu plate in a single manufacturing action. • Unique features of channel's surfaces along with excellent metallurgical bonding of Al-Cu multimaterials is obtained by HC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ingeniería del Agua is the property of Universidad Politecnica de Valencia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An animal's decision to accept or reject a prospective food is based only, in part, on its chemical composition. Palatability is also greatly influenced by textural features including smoothness versus grittiness, which is influenced by particle sizes. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila melanogaster is endowed with the ability to discriminate particle sizes in food and uses this information to decide whether a food is appealing. The decision depends on a mechanically activated channel, OSCA/TMEM63, which is conserved from plants to humans. We found that tmem63 is expressed in a multidendritic neuron (md-L) in the fly tongue. Loss of tmem63 impairs the activation of md-L by mechanical stimuli and the ability to choose food based on particle size. These findings reveal the first role for this evolutionarily conserved, mechanically activated TMEM63 channel in an animal and provide an explanation of how flies can sense and behaviorally respond to the texture of food provided by particles.

The article aims to describe an analysis of the content on the YouTube as a medium for spreading Arabic language. The research uses descriptive qualitative research. The data sources used are primary data sources and secondary data sources. Primary data sources come from interviews while secondary data sources from books, journals and articles that support the research. The data analysis technique is in three stages, namely data presentation, data reduction, and drawing conclusion. The analysis is focused on the YouTube channel Dars Arabi. This channel presents educational Arabic learning content. The result of this study proves that there are several factors that support the spread of Arabic through the YouTube. The factors cover language structure-based content creation, utilizing You Tube as the most famous social media, focusing on disseminated educational program, and keeping developing content creation. Further, the content is created in a structured manner based on the curriculum of learning Arabic language. The creator of the content in the you tube always increases the content with selection. In conclusion, the YouTube channel of Dars Arabi succeeds to play the role of spreading Arabic language learning.

The influences of perforated-baffles on the local Nusselt number (Nu) and thermo-hydraulic behaviors were comprehensively studied using thermochromic liquid crystal sheet. The perforated-baffles were designed in two forms: perforated-baffle (PB) and perforated-baffle with square wings (SW-PBs). Transverse solid baffles (TBs) were also tested for an assessment. All baffles had an identical height of 12 mm (e/H = 0.3). Experimental results showed that SW-PBs offered better Nu than PBs. It is also seen that PBs and SW-PBs caused lower pressure loss than TBs by around 20.49% and 13.98%, respectively. The reduction of friction loss was primarily due to the baffle perforation. In addition, the PBs yielded the thermal performance factors (TPF) up to 1.01 at the lowest Reynolds number of 6000.

Biological membranes define the boundaries of cells and compartmentalize the chemical and physical processes required for life. Many biological processes are carried out by proteins embedded in or associated with such membranes. Determination of membrane protein (MP) structures at atomic or near-atomic resolution plays a vital role in elucidating their structural and functional impact in biology. This endeavor has determined 1198 unique MP structures as of early 2021. The value of these structures is expanded greatly by deposition of their three-dimensional (3D) coordinates into the Protein Data Bank (PDB) after the first atomic MP structure was elucidated in 1985. Since then, free access to MP structures facilitates broader and deeper understanding of MPs, which provides crucial new insights into their biological functions. Here we highlight the structural and functional biology of representative MPs and landmarks in the evolution of new technologies, with insights into key developments influenced by the PDB in magnifying their impact.

This article examines how the consumer's search cost and filtering on a retail platform affect the platform, the third-party sellers, and the consumers. The authors show that, given the platform's percentage referral fee, a lower search cost can either increase or decrease the platform's profit. By contrast, if the platform optimally adjusts its referral fee, a lower search cost will increase the platform's profit. As the consumer's search cost decreases, if the platform's demand elasticity increases significantly, the platform should reduce its fee, potentially resulting in an all-win outcome for the platform, the sellers, and the consumers; otherwise, a lower search cost will increase the platform's optimal fee percentage, potentially leading to higher equilibrium retail prices. Furthermore, the availability of filtering on the platform will in expectation induce consumers to search fewer products but buy products with higher match values, and filtering can either increase or decrease equilibrium retail prices. When filtering reveals only a small amount of the products' match-value variations, it will benefit the platform, the sellers, and the consumers. This article shows that the effects of filtering and those of a decrease in search cost are qualitatively different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acids along the conformational motion pathway of the enzyme molecule correlated to its flexibility and rigidity. To enhance the enzyme activity and thermal stability, the motion pathway of Geobacillus stearothermophilus α-amylase has been identified and molecularly modified by using the neural relational inference model and deep learning tool. The significant differences in substrate specificity, enzymatic kinetics, optimal temperature, and thermal stability were observed among the mutants with modified amino acids along the pathway. Mutants especially the P44E demonstrated enhanced hydrolytic activity and catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM) than the wild-type enzyme to 95.0% and 93.8% respectively, with the optimum temperature increased to 90°C. This mutation from proline to glutamic acid has increased the number and the radius of the bottleneck of the channels, which might facilitate transporting large starch substrates into the enzyme. The mutation could also optimize the hydrogen bonding network of the catalytic center, and diminish the spatial hindering to the substrate entry and exit from the catalytic center.

The land-detached Gollum Channel System (GCS) is one of very few large-scale canyon-channel systems on the Northwest European margin and thought to be of high importance in both along-slope and downslope sediment transport processes in the Porcupine Seabight basin. It is, however, unknown when this system was formed and how active it has been throughout its evolution, making it difficult to assess its regional impact. Here, using well data integrated with airgun seismic reflection data, a seismic stratigraphy (Cretaceous to present) is built for the GCS for the first time. We find that, contrary to what was thought before, the GCS was formed before Quaternary glaciations occupied the continental shelf and its origin is tentatively associated to a phase of Northeast Atlantic margin tilting in the early Pliocene. Each of the channels that make up the GCS was initiated by incision from erosive downslope gravity flows originating on the Celtic Sea Shelf. Gravity flows from Quaternary glacial processes reused the channels and mostly bypassed the upper slope or contributed to the channel fill, though some flows were capable of erosion of existing channel flanks and incision of several smaller channels. Additionally, we show that this margin was incised by erosive gravity flows on several occasions through time and that these incisions seem to follow preferential pathways. Interaction with along-slope bottom currents from the start of the Quaternary onwards was crucial to distribute sediments and nutrients to sediment drifts and cold-water coral mounds further north (downstream) along the Irish margin.

In the present work, the impact that the longitudinal shape of channels has on the current produced in the flow of a magneto-hydrodynamic microgenerator (MHDMG) is studied. The goal is to find the micro-channel geometry via modeling to maximize the current output for low Reynolds and Mach regimes. To carry out this study, a 3D dynamic numerical tool relying on the finite volume method was handled with the open-source software OpenFOAM. It is the base model to study the impact of intricate geometries on the ability to produce energy. An additional steady-state 2D analytical model was also developed to check some basic modeling assumptions. Both models have been experimentally validated on the simplest flow system having a constant square cross-section throughout. The results produced by both models cross-check very well and compare favorably with respect to experimental data. Hence, using the validated numerical tool, three shapes have been further investigated, namely, progressive (linear decrease of the cross-section), arc (parabolic decrease of the cross-section), and wavy (sinusoidal shape). It was found that the arc channel provides the greatest current output for the same volumetric flow. It is therefore the preferred choice for developing high current gain and more efficient MHDMG used in micro-scaled actuators and sensors.

This paper assesses the shear capacity and the structural behaviour of channel connectors in composite slabs. Push‐out specimens were analyzed numerically by using the finite element program ABAQUS. For the studied solution, regular openings at the lower flange in the profiled decking are considered to allow the welded channel connector to pass through. The numerical model was calibrated against experimental outputs on push‐out tests found in the literature. Then, the influence of steel decking thickness on load capacity, stiffness and ductility of channel connectors in composite slabs was also assessed. In addition, it was concluded that safe predictions of load capacity could be obtained by including reduction factors in the Canadian design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In general, there are several many devices that can overload the network and reduce performance. Devices can minimize interference and optimize bandwidth usage by using directional antennas and by avoiding overlapping communication ranges. In addition, devices need to carefully manage their use of resources, such as bandwidth and energy. Bandwidth is limited in wireless personal area networks (WPANs), so devices need to carefully select which data to send and receive. In this paper, an intelligent performance analysis of energy‐efficient resource optimization model has been proposed for device‐to‐device (D2D) communication in fifth‐generation (5G) WPAN. The proposed energy‐efficient resource allocation in D2D communication is important because it helps reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of devices that are communicating with each other. By allocating resources in an efficient manner, communication between two devices can be optimized for maximum efficiency. This helps reduce the amount of energy needed to power the communication, as well as the amount of energy needed to power the device that is communicating with another device. Additionally, efficient resource allocation helps reduce the overall cost of communication, as the use of fewer resources results in a lower overall cost. The proposed efficient resource allocation helps reduce the environmental impact of communication, as less energy is used for communication. The proposed energy‐efficient resource allocation model (EERAM) has reached 92.97% of energy allocation, 88.72% of power allocation, 87.79% of bandwidth allocation, 87.93% of spectrum allocation, 88.43% of channel allocation, 25.47% of end‐to‐end delay, 94.33% of network data speed, and 90.99% of network throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practice, manufacturers may encroach on retail markets through a variety of methods, one being through the use of an online channel direct to the consumers, called encroachment. Current research typically assumes that downstream retailers retain procurement from the encroaching supplier. In reality, however, retailers may have the option of switching suppliers after encroachment. By considering a supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer with outside options, this paper analyzes the effects of the option of switching suppliers on the supply chain players' strategic interactions under the threat of supplier encroachment. We consider that the manufacturer makes encroachment decision preceding the retailer's switch decision. We capture various outcomes of the encroachment and switch decisions by using a classic encroachment model with quantity decisions (Cournot model). Specifically, we identify two effects of the outside option on the strategic encroachment decision. The first, the deterrence effect, means that the manufacturer's encroachment is deterred by the threat of switching supplies altogether; while the second, the permissive effect, indicates that the retailer intends to switch to the alternative source after the encroachment. Interestingly, we show that the encroachment could improve the total profit of the incumbent manufacturer and the retailer even when the retailer's switch has occurred. In this case, however, the manufacturer profits while the retailer is hurt by the encroachment and the switch. Finally, we also investigate several extended cases to demonstrate the robustness of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave processes on the free surface of water in a channel are considered when semicylindrical capillary waves are excited by a source and a quarter-wave resonator inside the channel. It is shown that the experimentally detected accelerating surface flows on the water surface in channels with installed sources and resonators of semicylindrical capillary waves are associated with the excitation of waveguide waves in the channel. Waveguide waves with a distributed amplitude in the form of a standing wave are formed when semicylindrical capillary waves are excited in the section of the liquid surface in a channel. For capillary waves in the channel, the liquid surface is a waveguide open at both ends; waveguide waves are formed due to the reflection of part of the semicylindrical waves from the channel walls and their interference. Waveguide waves propagate after the waves emanating from the source with acceleration and produce an accelerating surface energy flow and, together with it, a surface flow of liquid due to the transfer of momentum to particles of the liquid. In contrast to semicylindrical waves, the front line of waveguide waves within the channel are straight like in plane waves, but the amplitude and intensity of these waves are maximal along the channel axis. The waves emanating from the source in subsequent periods of oscillations are superimposed on the flow produced by the waveguide waves and, as a result, their semicylindrical front lines are extended. The principle of generating an accelerating surface fluid flow by waveguide waves in a channel with a source and a capillary wave resonator can be used to produce acoustic flows in bounded media by sources of acoustic and ultrasonic semicylindrical and hemispherical waves. Using the same principle, it is possible to obtain directed flows of microwave electromagnetic energy in waveguides with open cavity ends by a source of semicylindrical waves inside the waveguide cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel signal detection algorithm to improve the performance of the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) space–time block code-orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (STBC-OFDM) system in the underwater acoustic channel. Our special case for the underwater channel is the 114th station in the Caspian Sea. A model for an underwater MIMO-OFDM system is proposed first. Second, a signal coding method based on space–time block coding is employed. Finally, M-ZF, a modified signal detection algorithm, is then proposed for this system. Moreover, we compare M-ZF to ML, ZF, and MMSE. Another significant aspect of this paper is modeling an underwater acoustic channel using data from the Caspian Sea. In the modeling of the underwater channel, all actual conditions are considered. Ultimately, we evaluate the proposed algorithm in the underwater channel of the Caspian Sea. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has a lower time cost and superior bit error rate (BER) performance than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the anti-interference performance of airborne communication data link system, a transmission control method based on improved fish swarm algorithm is constructed. Firstly, the airborne data link channel model is constructed. Secondly, equalization algorithm of airborne data link is constructed, and the improved artificial fish algorithm is designed, and the algorithm procedure of transmission control of airborne communication data link system is established. Finally, simulation analysis is carried out, results show that the proposed method has higher transmission success rate, lower transmission time, and higher transmission rate, the proposed model has better performance in transmission control of airborne communication data link system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers experimental data on the dynamics of superfluid helium in a U-shaped cylindrical channel. An experimental cell and a methodology for investigations, parameter measuring, and obtained data processing are described. When a heat flux is applied near the heater, vapor can appear, and the interfacial surface executes regular oscillations of macroscopic amplitude with a constant frequency. The dependences of the interfacial surface position and the corresponding parameters on time are given. The obtained experimental results are interpreted based on the earlier obtained analytical solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN), at the time of network consignment and bandwidth registration, the active network consignment method did not take into consideration the intrusion, congestion load and bandwidth necessities as a whole. The significance centred bandwidth registration methods result in famishment of slightest significance congestion. Hence in this paper, we propose a Joint Channel Assignment and Bandwidth Reservation using Improved FireFly Algorithm (JCABR-IFA) in WMN. Initially the priority of each node is determined based on the channel usage, future interference and link congestion probability metrics. The bandwidth is allocated proportional to the node priority and the total number of traffic flows served by the requested node. For channel assignment and path selection, the improved FireFly Algorithm (IFA) is used. The objective function of IFA is determined in terms of link capacity, interference and flow conservation constraints. Then the channels and the path which minimize the objective function are selected by applying IFA. By simulation results we show that the proposed technique minimizes the traffic and enhances the channel efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several experimental runs have been conducted in a rectangular flume in order to investigate the effect of composite hydraulic structures and emerged dikes on flow hydraulic characteristics. The composite hydraulic structures used in this study are composed of a rectangular weir and gate with a different dimensional model. The dikes' structure is simulated by wood sheets of 10 cm height with two lengths, 1.0 and 1.5 cm. Three dike arrangements have been adopted in this study and installed downstream of the composite hydraulic structure. These arrangements consist of one side, both sides, and zigzag arrangement. Each dike arrangement has three cases with different dike numbers and spacing values. All the experiments have satisfied the submerged flow condition. The investigation of the flow cross-sectional area that passes the gate and weir of the composite structure and the dike arrangements, numbers, and lengths have been observed to find their effects on downstream average water depth, actual discharge, discharge coefficient of the composite structure, upstream and downstream Froude numbers, and downstream Reynolds number. The main finding in this study is that the existence of dikes downstream of the composite structure causes an increase in the downstream water depth without any conflict or fluctuation in the workability of the composite hydraulic structure. This study shows reasonable and noticeable results for Froude number, flow velocity, head losses, and water surface profile with distance in the downstream region. The experimental work is supported by adopting the statistical test to inspect the suitability and the acceptability of the average downstream water depth. It is strongly stated that all the observed data follow the normal distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water flow systems in open channels are designed according to certain levels. Flow rate increases in open channels can bring many disasters. Therefore, it is necessary to routinely measure flow in open channels. In addition to rivers and streams, open channels are used in many areas in city life. If open channels are not checked regularly, floods may occur in sudden rains and human life may be endangered. Practical problems like measurement, control and linearization of mechanical outputs can be solved within the context of function generation problem. In this work, an exemplary design associated with the measurement of water velocities in open channels and the resulting apparatus has been shown. To test its performance, velocities have been compared with those obtained by the constructed prototype. The results have been observed to be consistent with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Rural Water & Hydropower is the property of China Rural Water & Hydropower Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Research on the influence of geometric parameters of body bottom elements on the stress-strain state (SSS) of the truck with the general application of computer simulation methods was conducted. The nature of the change in static stress and displacement depending on the change in the proportions of the cross-section of the channel at fixed geometric dimensions of the workpiece and the thickness of the workpiece and the bottom material of the body has been studied. Analytical, numerical and experimental methods were used in the study of the stress-strain state of the metal structure of car bodies. Its weight minimization is an important aspect of a truck body design. Because an excess weight leads to increased production costs, reduced payload and reduced fuel efficiency. According to the concept of weight reduction with the provision of a given strength, the body model with variable parameters of the bottom elements is modelled and analyzed. CAD - body models and analysis of the stress-strain state of the channels of the bottom of the bodies have been performed using the software package SolidWorks.

Abstract Background In 2007 WHO and UNAIDS recommended communication interventions as a key strategy for creating demand for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) in Southern Africa. In Malawi, VMMC communication interventions, implemented by health communication agencies, have effectively raised awareness of services. However, high awareness of VMMC has not resulted in increased uptake. Consequently, Malawi has achieved the lowest number of circumcisions in Southern Africa. Methods These researchers carried out a study among the traditionally circumcising Yaos of Mangochi in Southern Region and the non-circumcising Chewas in Central Region. Data were collected using FGDs, KIIs, IDIs, Life Histories and Participatory Rural Appraisal methods. Data were analyzed thematically. Results This study demonstrates two lessons. First, Laswell’s Theory, which has traditionally been used in politics, is relevant to the health sector where the message delivery continuum also needs to be clear on source, message, audience, channel and intended effects. Secondly, according to informants, allowing communities to give feedback to the VMMC messages delivered by health promoters is fundamental. Therefore, failure by Laswell Theory to emphasize on feedback compromises its efficacy. It weakens its ability to foster a common vision between the source and the audience which is prerequisite for behavioral change. Conclusion The study concluded that community engagement and interpersonal communication which provide room for real-time feedback in any communicative event are the most preferred communication interventions for VMMC services among Yaos and Chewas.

IntroductionMechanical properties of most soils alter upon the increase of moisture and saturation. In some soils, certain phenomena appear due to increased moisture. Some of these phenomena lead to major damage in development projects. These soils are called Sensitive soils to water”. The most significant types of these soils are swelled soils, dispersive soils, and collapsible soils. Dispersive soils refer to clay soils that are easily washed up in waters with a low concentration of salt. Dispersion is a progressive phenomenon that starts from one point and is gradually extended. The start point of the dispersive phenomenon may refer to cracks resulting from shrinkage, soil deposition, or cracks made due to the roots of plants. This phenomenon is of great importance in such plans as soil dams and water supply channels where there is a water concentration inside the soil too. One of the essential reasons for soil erosion and sediment production in irrigation and drainage networks is the instability of canal soil, so it is necessary to use erosion control methods in parts of the canal route, especially at the intersection with other structures. To this end, the solution investigated and tested in this article is the use of biological mulches to reduce the erosion of the side slopes of earthen channels. Materials and MethodsThis research has been conducted on soil with a Loam sandy texture of irrigation and drainage channels network of the Arayez Plain of Khuzestan that lies on the west side of the Karkheh River. Using a simulated system, two-nozzle rainfall of the K18 feature was performed. To determine the effect of mulches on parameters of side wall erosive resistance of the soil structure, after the soil of the region passes through a sieve of 4.76 mm was put in the basin designed for 1 x 0.33 x 0.1 m for about 25 kg. After filtration, leveling, and pressing the soil to the edge of the Flume basin proportionate to the physical special weight of the soil, the stabilizing materials, and different bio mulches were sprayed in their different concentrations. Then, the basins inside the Flume with a side slope of 80% were put into a depth of 10 cm. In this research, with the objectives of determining the type and most appropriate level of biological mulches and their effect on the soil erosion resistance parameters of the lateral wall of the drainage channels of the Araiz plain of Khuzestan, the necessary experiments were conducted in the rain simulator laboratory of the Soil Conservation and Watershed Research Institute. So that using four types of water-based biological mulch, which were named with numbers 1 to 4 and at three levels of minimum (C1), medium (C2), and maximum (C3), experiments were conducted on the soil sample of the researched area. Each of the experimental treatments on a flume with a side slope of 1 to 1.25, similar to the side slope of canals in nature, was repeated and simulated three times in two rainfall intensities of 30 and 80 mm h-1. In each experiment, primary and secondary soil moisture, runoff volume, sediment weight, the intensity of water penetration in the treatments, and the shear strength of the treatments were measured. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design in the form of split plots and the data were analyzed using SAS software and the averages were compared using the Student–Newman–Keuls (SNK) multi-domain test. Finally, by using mathematical models with optimization and minimization of sediment amounts and economic costs, the most suitable treatment for stabilizing the lateral walls of drains was determined. SPSS software was used for the statistical analysis of data and ANOVA and the Duncan test were used for the statistical comparison of data. Considering the tables obtained from data variance analysis and considering the statistic F and significance level, it can be said that all treatments are different in a significance level of 5% concerning the extent of sediment and there is a significant difference in the sediment amount. Results and DiscussionThe tests conducted on the soil of drainage channels of Arayez plain with a loamy – sand texture indicated that the presence of mulch coverage results in reduced sediment arising from rainfall in the manner that by the increase of density in any of the mulches, sedimentation reduces accordingly. The results obtained from the statistical analysis of this research confirmed that there is a significant difference in a level of 5% between sediment amounts of test control and mulch treatments for the sample of the soil under study. Therefore, bio mulches have an effective role in erosion control and the decrease of sediment from the walls of soil channels. The results indicated that only two types of biological mulches used in this study had a positive effect on shear resistance. General Linear Model (GLM) results showed that the interaction of two parameters of rainfall intensity with the type of treatment on shear strength is significant, so the interaction of rainfall intensity parameters with the level of materials used was not significant at the 5% level. In addition, the interaction of the type of treatment with the level of the materials used was also significant. According to the results of the analysis of variance in investigating the role of rainfall intensity on biological mulch treatments, it was found that rainfall intensity affected shear strength. ConclusionAccording to the above photos, all mulches compared to the control treatment have had a remarkable effect on the decrease of sediment. Moreover, it was found that the increase in the density of mulches used in all densities has had a remarkable effect on the decrease of outlet sediment. Furthermore, it was realized that the rainfall factor affects the increase of sediment. Thus, this effect in mulch 2 is the least effective in such a manner that upon increased rainfall in mulch 2m we see the minimum increase in the amount of sediment. The results after conducting system engineering and analyses related to the optimization of sediment amounts and economic costs indicated that mulch 2 at the C3 level has the best efficiency in increasing shear resistance. This conclusion could help the decision makers to allocate their soil conservation budget for the best performance activities.

One of the fundamental challenges in 5G and beyond technologies is to support short packet transmissions while ensuring ultra-reliable communication. Due to the distributed nature of the networks, such as machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, interference is unavoidable. The impact of interference on the system’s performance must be better understood when users are constrained to transmit short packets. In addition, users’ traffic is bursty. Thus, they may not always have data to send. This work considers a two-user Z-interference channel (Z-IC) under Rayleigh fading. The work characterizes the stability region corresponding to prominent interference mitigation schemes such as treating interference as noise, successive interference cancellation, and joint decoding schemes using the finite block-length information theory framework. The developed results consider the packet length, rate, and underlying channel model. Evaluating stability region involves determining the probability of successful decoding for the various interference mitigation techniques. The different probabilities of successful decoding are characterized for various interference mitigation techniques. These results are not explored in the existing literature in the context of Z-IC. The developed results also help to explore the impact of interference on average delay and the average age of information for various interference mitigation techniques.

In this study, selected types of grasses were studied to determine their hydraulic roughness coefficient and to select the most suitable grass for erosion control. The experiments were performed in twelve trapezoidal open channels measuring 5 m x 0.12 m x 0.03 m at different flow depths (0.001m, 0.002m, 0.003m, 0.004m and 0.005m) and at varying bed slope (0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%). Overall, Bahama grass showed the highest Manning’s n-value due to its deep root system and creeping nature. For each slope, the degree of submergence, Reynolds number, and flow depth increases as Manning’s n decreases. As the flow depth increases, the Reynolds number increased while the drag coefficient, Cd decreases.