2-layer System Research Articles

Inductive asphalt pavement layers for improving electromagnetic heating performance

ABSTRACT A multi-layer inductive healing layer (ML-IHL) based on the magnetic field distribution characteristics was designed to solve gradient healing behaviors of conventional single-layer inductive healing layer (CSL-IHL). Two representative conductive metals, including waste steel shaving and steel wool fibers, were used to prepare two kinds of ML-IHL, which is a 2-layer system composed of asphalt mixtures with different conductive metal contents. Then infrared images of the temperature distribution of ML-IHLs and CSL-IHL were recorded to analyze the temperature changes at different depths. Subsequently, the temperature coefficient of variation and radar chart method was used to evaluate the temperature gradient. Results show that as the difference in the conductive metal contents between the two lays of the ML-IHL increases, the temperature gradient gradually decreases. Also, it is recommended that the optimum content in the upper layer containing waste steel shavings or steel wool fibers is 4% or 2%, and the optimum content in the lower layer is 8%. Finally, the inductive healing test of the optimal scheme shows that the healing effect of the upper and lower layers of both ML-IHL has been significantly improved, and the healing rate difference between the two layers is all less than 2%.

Thermal characterisation of electroconductive layers for anti-icing and de-snowing applications on roads

ABSTRACT Heavy snowfall is the most influential factor in the interruption of road vehicular transit during the winter months, sometimes even causing inaccessibility to certain areas. Traditional maintenance strategies address this issue with mechanical solutions combined with the implementation of “de-icing salts”. However, these “de-icing” salts can cause severe damage to the local ecosystem and represent an unsustainable solution to the removal of snow. In order to offer an alternative to the use of “de-icing salts” in roadway maintenance, new environmentally friendly strategies need to be explored. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the thermal performance of electroconductive asphalt mortars under the effect of time-varying magnetic fields, with the aim of using these materials for anti-icing and de-snowing applications on roads. The electroconductive mortars studied were manufactured using the metallic fibres obtained from recycled pneumatic end-of-life vehicle tires. These innovative roadway mortars were tested by measuring the temperature changes produced during and after the activation of the time-varying magnetic field, in a 2-layer system composed of an electroconductive asphalt layer under a conventional bituminous surface course. The results revealed that road temperatures can be controlled depending on the intensity of the magnetic field, the content of metallic fibres and the thickness of the road surface course. Electroconductive mortars might therefore provide a functional alternative for maintaining serviceable roads during snowy winters.

Daily variations in stratification in İzmit Bay

We studied the diurnal variation of stratification in İzmit Bay with temperature and current velocity, and investigated the influence of atmospheric conditions. In the east of the bay entrance, 10-min temperature and hourly current measurements were made between the dates of 4 February 2015 and 24 April 2015, down to about 40 m depth in the water column. In addition to this, hourly temperature and salinity with depth data were collected between the dates of 4 and 7 February 2015 by a research vessel. The meteorological parameters for the atmospheric conditions were obtained from the closest weather stations (Yalova, Çınarcık, and Gebze). Thermocline depth varied between 20 and 30 m with instant changes at 6 to 35 m of depth due to strong wind conditions with 3 days of time delay. The south-westerly current directions were found in both layers, but the current speed decayed with depth. The high buoyancy frequency due to strong stratification decreased in strong wind and shear dominated the mixing process. Air pressure, air temperature, north-south component of wind and sea level had a semidiurnal cycle. A high-frequency measurement in a 2-layer system is highly significant to understand, explain, and determine the cause and effect relationships of hydrographic processes.

Comparison analysis of overlay thickness using the AASHTO 1993 method and the everseries program

The purpose of this research is to analyze the structural capacity of flexible pavement based on deflection data from Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and to compare the results of overlay thickness calculation using AASHTO 1993 Method and Everseries Program. Two layer modelling system is applied in AASHTO 1993 Method and to determine the value of Resilient Modulus (MR), Pavement Effective Modulus (Ep) and Structural Number (SN). The overlay thickness result by AASHTO 1993 method ranged from 5 cm to 13 cm. To comparing the result, the 2-layer system modeling by Everseries Program is used. The modulus can be calculated by Evercalc subprogram using the deflection data as inputs. Furthermore, the overlay thickness calculated by Everpave subprogram produces overlay thickness range from 5 cm to 25 cm. Based on the analysis result, there is a difference overlay thickness between using AASHTO 1993 Method and Everseries Program. Everseries program produce overlay thickness thicker than AASHTO 1993 method, because there are several different parameters such as deflection data, temperature by seasonal variations and traffic loads.

Optimal Day-Ahead Bidding Strategy for Electricity Retailer with Inner-Outer 2-Layer Model System Based on Stochastic Mixed-Integer Optimization

Bidding in spot electricity market (EM) is a key source for electricity retailer (ER)’s power purchasing. In China for the near future, besides the real-time load and spot clearing prices uncertainties, it will be hard for a newborn ER to adjust its retail prices at will due to the strict governmental supervision. Hence, spot EM bidding decision-making is a very complicated and important issue for ER in many countries including China. In this paper, an inner-outer 2-layer model system based on stochastic mixed-integer optimization is proposed for ER’s day-ahead EM bidding decision-making. This model system not only can help to make ERs more beneficial under China’s EM circumstances in the near future, but also can be applied for improving their profits under many other deregulated EM circumstances (e.g., PJM and Nord Pool) if slight transformation is implemented. Different from many existing researches, we pursue optimizing both the number of blocks in ER’s day-ahead piecewise staircase (energy-price) bidding curves and the bidding price of every block. Specifically, the inner layer of this system is in fact a stochastic mixed-integer optimization model, by which the bidding prices are optimized by parameterizing the number of blocks in bidding curves. The outer layer of this system implicitly possesses the characteristics of heuristic optimization in discrete space, by which the number of blocks is optimized by parameterizing bidding prices in bidding curves. Moreover, in order to maintain relatively low financial-risk brought by clearing prices and real-time load uncertainties, we introduce the conditional value at risk (CVaR) of profit in the objective function of inner layer model in addition to the expected profit. Simulations based on historical data have not only tested the scientificity and feasibility of our model system, but also verified that our model system can further improve the actual profit of ER compared to other methods.

On Practical Issues for Stochastic STDP Hardware With 1-bit Synaptic Weights.

In computational neuroscience, synaptic plasticity learning rules are typically studied using the full 64-bit floating point precision computers provide. However, for dedicated hardware implementations, the precision used not only penalizes directly the required memory resources, but also the computing, communication, and energy resources. When it comes to hardware engineering, a key question is always to find the minimum number of necessary bits to keep the neurocomputational system working satisfactorily. Here we present some techniques and results obtained when limiting synaptic weights to 1-bit precision, applied to a Spike-Timing-Dependent-Plasticity (STDP) learning rule in Spiking Neural Networks (SNN). We first illustrate the 1-bit synapses STDP operation by replicating a classical biological experiment on visual orientation tuning, using a simple four neuron setup. After this, we apply 1-bit STDP learning to the hidden feature extraction layer of a 2-layer system, where for the second (and output) layer we use already reported SNN classifiers. The systems are tested on two spiking datasets: a Dynamic Vision Sensor (DVS) recorded poker card symbols dataset and a Poisson-distributed spike representation MNIST dataset version. Tests are performed using the in-house MegaSim event-driven behavioral simulator and by implementing the systems on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) hardware.

System capacity improvement by on demand channel allocation in Femto and macro cell networks

Entire arrangement progress femtocells characterize a right likely response to the constantly increasing transmission constrain demand of adaptable areas. They could be clearly passed on without requesting a focal expecting to pass on the high information speed orchestrate through aim perfect scope. The Femtocells are low power, actuallesser and cost in real cell base district utilized in the inside condition. Regardless, the impact of the Femtocells is the introduction of the straight Macrocell structure indications impediment issue among the Femtocells also earlier Macrocellsby strategy for they can part of the similar approved rehash run. The Frequency Reuse is a centrality of sending the rehash supply distribution upon station's place to recuperate framework limit. This paper, a fit strategy to develop structure restrict through inter vent ionorganization in the current Femto Macro 2layer systems has been planned. In the planned system, a original rehash saving for 2layersthe cell organizes by systems for rehash reuse technique is utilized wherever Macro base placesallot rehash sub-groups portrayed out for the Femtocells operators on demand based one the Femtocells base places toward stop impedance.

A decomposition method for symbolic regression problems

The purpose of this paper is to improve the efficiency of Genetic Programming (GP) by decomposing a regression problem into several subproblems. An optimization problem is defined to find subproblems of the original problem for which the performance of GP is better than for the original problem. In order to evaluate the proposed decomposition method, the subproblems of several benchmark problems are found by solving the optimization problem. Then, a 2-layer GP system is used to find subproblems’ solutions in the first layer and the solution of the original problem in the second layer. The results of this 2-layer GP system show that the proposed decomposition method does not generate trivial subproblems. It generates subproblems that improve the efficiency of GP against when subproblems are not used.

Comprehensive and quantifiable granularity: A novel model to measure agro-food traceability

Recent developments in the legal establishment and the market have motivated more agro-food companies to implement traceability systems (TS). TS play an important role not only for planning system implementation before development, but also for analyzing system performance after using the system. A novel agro-food TS model is presented here, based on comprehensive and quantifiable granularity concepts. A 2-layer index system was established; the first layer was mainly factors such as precision, breadth, and depth, and the second layer included seven indicator sub-factors: external trace units, internal flow units, IU conversion, information collection content, information update frequency, forward tracking distance, and backward tracing distance. An indicator’s overall score was scaled with five contributing scores that graded the assignment method. Indicator weight was confirmed with the AHP method. The weight values of the seven indicators were 0.1985, 0.1141, 0.0872, 0.1870, 0.1248, 0.1442, and 0.1442, respectively. A weighted sum model was adopted to calculate the evaluation value. A high evaluation value indicated high granularity. The granularity model was applied in two enterprises, here identified as WPF and WFPE, which were located at different stages in wheat-flour supply chain. The survey results showed that WFPE should invest more in tracing equivalent granularity than WPF should because it involves multi-stage processing, a complicated supply chain structure, it is a large enterprise, and operates in a strict regulatory environment. Furthermore, WFPE was motivated to implement a high granularity level because of benefits in supply chain management, market and customer response, and recall and risk management. In the future, an updated granularity evaluation model that could combine enterprise characteristics and uncover hidden costs and benefits will be studied further.

ECAMulticapa: Effectiveness of double-layered compression therapy for healing venous ulcers in primary care: a Study Protocol.

BackgroundChronic venous insufficiency, in its final stage can cause venous ulcers. Venous ulcers have a prevalence of 0.5 % to 0.8 % in the general population, and increases starting at 60 years of age. This condition often causes increased dependency in affected individuals, as well as a perceived reduced quality of life and family overload.Local Treating chronic venous ulcers has 2 components: topically healing the ulcer and controlling the venous insufficiency. There is evidence that compressive therapy favours the healing process of venous ulcers. The studies we have found suggest that the use of multilayer bandage systems is more effective than the use of bandages with a single component, these are mostly using in Spain. Multilayer compression bandages with 2 layers are equally effective in the healing process of chronic venous ulcers as 4-layer bandages and are better tolerated and preferenced by patients. More studies are needed to specifically compare the 2-layer bandages systems in the settings where these patients are usually treated.Method/designRandomised, controlled, parallel, multicentre clinical trial, with 12 weeks of follow-up and blind evaluation of the response variable.The objective is to assess the efficacy of multilayer compression bandages (2 layers) compared with crepe bandages, based on the incidence of healed venous ulcers in individuals treated in primary care nursing consultations, at 12 weeks of follow-up.The study will include 216 individuals (108 per branch) with venous ulcers treated in primary care nursing consultations.The primary endpoint is complete healing at 12 weeks of follow-up. The secondary endpoints are the degree of healing (Resvech.2), quality of life (CCVUQ-e), adverse reactions related to the healing process. Prognosis and demographic variables are also recorder.Effectiveness analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves, a log-rank test and a Cox regression analysis. The analysis was performed by intention to treat.DiscussionThe study results can contribute to improving the care and quality of life of patients with venous ulcers, decreasing healing times and healthcare expenditure and contributing to the consistent treatment of these lesions.Trial registrationThis study has been recorded in the Clinical Trials.gov site with the code NCT02364921. 17 February 2015.

Approaches for Modelling the Residual Service Life of Marine Concrete Structures

This paper deals with the service life design of existing reinforced concrete structures in a marine environment. The general procedure of condition assessment for estimating the residual service life of structures before a repair measure is illustrated. For assessment of the residual service life of structures which have undergone a repair measure a simplified mathematical model of chloride diffusion in a 2-layer system is presented. Preliminary probabilistic calculations demonstrate the effect of various conditions on the residual service life. First studies of the chloride diffusion in a 2-layer system have been conducted using the finite element method. Results of a long-term exposure test are presented to illustrate the performance of two different repair materials. The distribution of residual chlorides after application of a repair material is being studied in laboratory investigations. The residual chlorides migrate from the concrete layer into the new layer immediately after the repair material has been applied to the concrete member. The content and gradient of residual chlorides, along with the thickness and the chloride ingress resistance of both the remaining and the new layer of cover, will determine the residual service life of the repaired structures.

A novel in vitro protocol for inducing direct somatic embryogenesis in Phalaenopsis aphrodite without taking explants.

An alternative in vitro protocol for embryo induction directly from intact living seedlings of Phalaenopsis aphrodite subspecies formosana was established in this study. Without the supplementation of plant growth regulators (PGRs), no embryos were obtained from all the seedlings when cultured on the solid medium. In contrast, embryos formed from the seedlings on the 2-layer medium and the 2-step culture system without the use of PGRs. It was found that the age of the seedlings affected embryo induction. The 2-month-old seedlings typically had higher embryogenic responses when compared with the 4-month-old seedlings in the 2-layer medium or 2-step system. For the 2-month-old seedlings, 1 mg/L TDZ resulted in the highest number of embryos at the distal site of the shoot. However, on the leaves' surface, 0.5 mg/L TDZ induced the highest number of embryos. When the 2-month-old seedlings were cultured using the 2-step method at 1 mg/L of TDZ, the highest embryogenic response was obtained, with an average of 44 embryos formed on each seedling. These adventitious embryos were able to convert into plantlets in a PGR-free 1/2 MS medium, and the plantlets had normal morphology and growth.

Geosynthetic Reinforcement of Sand-Mat Layer above Soft Ground.

In order to improve the bearing capacity of soft ground for the purpose of getting trafficability of construction vehicles, the reinforcement of geosynthetics for sand-mat layers on soft ground has often been used. As the strength of the geosynthetics increases, and the sand-mat system becomes stronger, the bearing capacity of sand-mat systems will be increased. The depths of geosynthetics, reinforced in sand-mat layers, were varied with respect to the width of footing. The tensile strengths of geosynthetics were also varied to evaluate the effect of reinforcement on the bearing capacity of soft ground. The dispersion angles, with varying sand-mat thicknesses, were also determined in consideration of the tensile strength of geosynthetics and the depths of reinforcement installations. The bearing capacity ratios, with the variation of footing width and reinforced embedment depth, were determined for the geosynthetics-only, reinforced soft ground, 1-layer sand-mat system and 2-layer sand-mat system against the non-reinforced soft ground. From the test results of various models, a principle that better explains the concept of geosynthetic reinforcement has been found. On the basis of this principle, a new bearing capacity equation for practical use in the design of geosynthetically reinforced soft ground has been proposed by modifying Yamanouchi’s equation.

Dynamics of the Leeuwin Current: Part 1. Coastal flows in an inviscid, variable-density, layer model

In this paper, we investigate basic dynamics of the Leeuwin Current (LC) using a dynamically “minimal” model, one that lies at the bottom of a planned hierarchy of LC models. The model is a steady-state, inviscid, 2-layer system, in which the upper-layer density is fixed to ρ1(y), all mixing and advection are ignored, and β≠0. As a result, solutions can be obtained analytically. Our model both simplifies and extends prior models of this sort, which include bottom drag in a fundamental way and adopt the f-plane.Solutions are obtained in a semi-infinite domain, x≤xe, y≤yn, in the southern hemisphere (yn<0), and there is a continental slope along the eastern boundary with the depth profile D(x). Generally, the interface beneath layer 1 intersects the continental slope along a “grounding” line, x=xg(y)≤xe, in which case the basin is divided into offshore and coastal regimes, and the model reduces to a 1-layer system in the latter. Solutions are forced by the density gradient ∂ρ1/∂y, by alongshore winds τy, and by the thermocline depth along the northern boundary H1, where H1 simulates the impact of the Indonesian Throughflow on the density structure in the northeastern basin. The flow field can be divided into depth-integrated and shear (thermal-wind) parts, and, because density advection is neglected, the former is independent of the latter. The depth-integrated equations are hyperbolic, their solution determined by the offshore propagation of boundary values along Rossby-wave characteristics.Even though there is no Rossby-wave damping, a coastal jet is trapped over the slope. Both the coastal jet and the offshore flow field are completely determined by the offshore propagation of signals from the coast; moreover, the offshore circulation depends only on the depth of the continental shelf at the coast, D(xe), and is independent of the slope profile farther offshore. For density-driven solutions, the grounding line shifts offshore and hence the LC deepens poleward; there is downwelling over the shelf, as well as westward flow at the bottom of the upper layer, both associated with the thermal-wind circulation and existing only when β≠0; the speed of the coastal jet is proportional to ∂D/∂x; and its transport is proportional to H12, so that it is strongest farther offshore and is very sensitive to the specified thermocline thickness in the northern basin. When equatorward wind stress is included, an equatorward jet can develop very nearshore provided that the wind stress is strong enough to overcome the density forcing.

Method for distortion correction of multi-layered surface reconstruction using time-gated wavefront sensing approach

In order to estimate the multi-layer surface profile and to detect the inter-layer surfaces defects, gated wavefront sensing approach has been proposed in the previous works [1, 2]. However, the proposed methodology measures the wavefront that has been distorted by its prior surfaces (reflected wavefront) or post surfaces (transmitted wavefront). Analysis has to be performed to estimate the multi-layer wavefront sensing by taking into consideration the multi-layer surfaces condition. For reflected wavefront, the bottom layer(s) wavefront is (are) being distorted twice via separate interface points while traveling back to the lenslet arrays through our observation for the slope and phase measurement. The subsequent reconstructed surfaces are not accurate and corrected. Thus, a discrete layer correction technique for the surface reconstruction has been proposed to enhance the reconstruction accuracy by using the upper/top layer’s wavefront information. This paper discusses on the case of 2-layer system, where the reflected wavefront from the bottom layer has been distorted and its surface reconstruction has been corrected. The results show that the distortion is significant and the correction is deemed necessary for industrial application such as in wafer warpage inter-layer profile estimation.

Advanced control system for optimal filtration in submerged anaerobic MBRs (SAnMBRs)

The main aim of this study was to develop an advanced controller to optimise filtration in submerged anaerobic MBRs (SAnMBRs). The proposed controller was developed, calibrated and validated in a SAnMBR demonstration plant fitted with industrial-scale hollow-fibre membranes with variable influent flow and load. This 2-layer control system is designed for membranes operating sub-critically and features a lower layer (on/off and PID controllers) and an upper layer (knowledge-based controller). The upper layer consists of a MIMO (multiple-input–multiple-output) control structure that regulates the gas sparging for membrane scouring and the frequency of physical cleaning (ventilation and back flushing). The filtration process is monitored by measuring the fouling rate on-line. This controller demonstrated its ability to keep fouling rates low (close to 0mbarmin−1) by applying sustainable gas sparging intensities (approx. 0.23Nm3h−1m−2). It also reduced the downtimes needed for ventilation and back-flushing (less than 2% of operating time).

Mechanical Properties of Clayey Sand Treated with Cement-Rubbershreds

Residual soils of clayey sand composition can potentially be treated to construct a 2-layer pavement system. Using cement as the primary binder and recycled rubbershreds (<2 mm thick, 0.425 mm - 12 mm in length) as filler material, the improved ground can serve as a reliable road foundation, overlain with a surface capping layer. In order to determine the performance of this treated foundation layer, the relevant mechanical properties were examined using suitable laboratory tests, i.e. compaction, unconfined compressive strength and bender element tests. From the test results, it can be concluded that a mixture of cement and recycled rubbershreds effectively enhanced the mechanical properties of the soil. The cement dosage was kept at a minimum to bind the soil and rubbershreds for long term durability, while the rubbershreds served as a flexible filler material, without compromising the targeted strength and compressibility.

Effect of Cocoa Butter Structure on Oil Migration

Oil migration from a high oil content filling into adjacent chocolate causes changes in product quality. The objective of this study was to quantify the oil migration from a cream filling system into cocoa butter, which provided a model for the behavior of chocolate-enrobed confectionery products with a soft, creamy center. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor spatial and temporal changes of liquid lipid content. A multislice spin echo pulse sequence was used to acquire images with a 7.8 ms echo time and a 200 ms repetition time using a 1.03 T Aspect Imaging MRI spectrometer. Samples were prepared as a 2-layer model system of cocoa butter and model cream filling. Three methods were used to prepare the cocoa butter: static, seeded, and sheared. Samples were stored at 25 °C for a time frame of 56 d. The rate of oil migration was quantified by a kinetic expression based on the linear dependence of oil uptake by cocoa butter and the square root of the time. Samples showed distinctly different rates of oil migration, as evidenced by quantitative differences in the kinetic rate constant. Practical Application: This work will be helpful to elucidate the influence of crystallization process and structural properties such as crystal nanostructure and crystal habit on the migration of oil through a crystalline fat matrix.

Oil Migration in Chocolate and Almond Product Confectionery Systems

Oil migration from high oil content almond confections into adjacent chocolate causes changes in product quality. The objective of this study was to quantify the oil migration from almond products to dark chocolate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor spatial and temporal changes of liquid lipid content. A multislice spin echo pulse (MSSE) sequence was used to acquire images with a 7.8-ms echo time and a 1000-ms repetition time using a 1.03T Aspect AI MRI spectrometer. Samples were prepared as a 2-layer model system of chocolate and almond confection. Six different almond products and 1 type of dark chocolate were used. Samples were stored at 20, 25, and 30°C for a time frame of several months. Rate and extent of migration were quantified by a kinetic expression based on the linear dependence of oil uptake by chocolate and the square root of the time. Samples showed distinctly different rate and extent of oil migration, as evidenced by quantitative differences in the kinetic rate constants and equilibrium uptake for the different sample types. This work will be helpful to design formulations for almond and almond-based products in confections. This work will be helpful to design formulations for almond use in confections.

Numerical simulations of dense water cascading on a steep slope

The sinking of dense shelf waters down the continental slope (or cascading) contributes to oceanic water mass formation and carbon cycling. Cascading over steep bottom topography is studied here in numerical experiments using POLCOMS, a 3-D ocean circulation model using a terrain-following s-coordinate system. The model setup is based on a laboratory experiment of a continuous dense water flow from a central source on a conical slope in a rotating tank. The governing parameters of the experiments are the density difference between plume and ambient water, the flow rate, the speed of rotation and (in the model) diffusivity and viscosity. The descent of the dense flow as characterized by the length of the plume as a function of time is studied for a range of parameters. Very good agreement between the model and the laboratory results is shown in dimensional and nondimensional variables. It is confirmed that a hydrostatic model is capable of reproducing the essential physics of cascading on a very steep slope if the model correctly resolves velocity veering in the bottom boundary layer. Experiments changing the height of the bottom Ekman layer (by changing viscosity) and modifying the plume from a 2-layer system to a stratified regime (by enhancing diapycnal diffusion) confirm previous theories, demonstrate their limitations and offer new insights into the dynamics of cascading outside of the controlled laboratory conditions