Hard Conditions Research Articles

Çinko Oksit Nanopartiküllerin (ZnO-NP) Önemli Gıda Kaynaklı Patojenler Üzerine İn Vitro Kontaminasyon Etkisi

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been used for many years in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint, textile, and food industries for coating surfaces, absorbing UV rays and due to its antimicrobial properties in nanoscale it has been identified as important chemical for decontamination. Zinc can be found in many foods as well and its allowed daily intake for adults has been reported as 8-11 mg. Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for it being stable under hard processing conditions. Compared to organic acids, ZnO-NPs have better durability, selectivity, and heat resistance. In the present study, it was aimed to understand the decontamination effect of ZnO-NPs on S. enteritidis, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli O157 to develop novel, safe decontamination agents for food industry. For this purpose,

CuCrZr processed by laser powder bed fusion—Processability and influence of heat treatment on electrical conductivity, microstructure and mechanical properties

AbstractCuCrZr parts were fabricated by laser beam powder bed fusion (LB‐PBF) technique and subjected to different heat treatments. As a result, four different conditions were considered for further investigations, that is, the as‐built condition, conditions of maximum hardness (MH) and maximum electrical conductivity (MC), and a condition representing a compromise between hardness and conductivity (H&C). Microstructural evolution and performance under monotonic and cyclic loading were studied. Fracture surfaces revealed significant volume fractions of process‐induced defects such as lack‐of‐fusion (LoF) and pores, irrespective of the condition considered. The effect of these defects on the tensile behavior was found to be marginal, whereas the fatigue performance was noticeably affected due to multiple crack nucleation promoted by large LoF defects. Assessment by computed tomography (CT) revealed a strong influence of the geometry and therefore, of the scan path length, on resulting microstructure and defect population eventually rationalizing obvious discrepancies to the initial process parameter and material density optimization study.

Decomposition CO₂ and CO in Flow of Gases by Means of Technical Ferrogravitational Field

The author's experimental studies shown that magnetic poles (magnetic charges) are real structural components of atoms and substance. It is the magnetic poles, and not the electrons moving are direct sources of all magnetic fields in nature. The main reasons for ignoring magnetic charges in physical science are the hard conditions for their confinement in the structures of substance which is fundamentally different from the confinement of electrons, as well as the vicious electric magnetism of Maxwell (1873). True magnetic poles have been “buried alive” in physical theory under such theoretical surrogates as the magnetic moments of electrons. The electromagnetic shells of atoms composed of electric and magnetic charges are the sources of gravitational field which is the vortex electromagnetic field and is described by vortex vector rot[E – H]. Depending on the state of vortex vectors rot[E – H] in the composition of gravitational fields (GF) emitted by atoms, these fields are subdivided into paragravitational (PGF) and ferrogravitational (FGF). The sources of ferrogravitational field are repelled from sources of paragravitational field, for example, from Earth. The forces of such repulsion depend on the degree ferropolarization of gravitational field of atom - source of FGF, and the physical manifestation such repulsion is еthe effect of the ferrogravitational levitation (FGL), which discovered and investigated by the author. The FGL effect is also realized between the atoms emitting PGF and FGF in the formulations of chemical compounds. When an external FGF acts on CO2 molecule the process ferropolarization of gravitational field of oxygen atom is realized, which should be defined as the gravito-plastic source. In this case, the carbon atom, which is the gravito-stable mass, remains of paragravitational. At interatomic distances <1 Å the forces of the gravito-levitation repulsion may be very significant and lead to the rupture of chemical bonds between oxygen and carbon atoms and to the disintegration of the molecule CO2. It is highly probable that the process of decomposition of CO2, similar to that described above, is carried out in the cells of leaves of green plants, which emit precisely the ferrogravitational field. The decomposition of CO2 by FGF and the supply of oxygen to green plants is natural process that takes place in leaf cells called photosynthesis. However, photons in this process are only a stimulating factor contributing to the ferropolarization of gravitational field emitted by atoms oxygen in the composition of green plant cells.

Comparative study of bulk and surface compositions of plasma polymerized organosilicon thin films

Plasma polymerized organosilicon thin films were deposited in a MW-PECVD using hexadimethylsiloxane (HMDSO) as a precursor. Thin films were synthetized with different plasma conditions ranging from soft (low plasma energy) to hard (high plasma energy) ones. Quantitative 29Si solid state NMR and FTIR spectroscopy were used to characterize the bulk composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) coupled with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were used to determine the surface chemical composition. In addition, water contact angle (WCA) measurements were performed in order to complete the surface characterization. The bulk and the surface of the plasma polymerized HMDSO (PP-HMDSO) showed a complex chemical composition. The four main environments M, D, T and Q were present in the films. An additional environment Si(CH2)(CH3)3 denoted S was detected in the PP-HMDSO films. The chemical composition comparison showed a difference between the bulk and the surface of the films. Under soft plasma conditions, a high amount of SiOC3 termination was present in the bulk of the films. While, the SiO2C2 chains were highly present on the surface. On the other hand, under hard plasma conditions, the number of the SiOC3 termination increased on the surface and decreased in the bulk. Under soft plasma conditions, the PP-HMDSO structure was close to PDMS, while under hard plasma conditions, the PDMS similarity was lost.

Innovative TBM transport logistics in construction section H33 of Brenner Base Tunnel

AbstractThe Tulfes‐Pfons construction section of the Brenner Base Tunnel includes a 16.6 km long tunnel section excavated with an open gripper TBM. Due to the very difficult logistic conditions (steep access tunnel with 10 % gradient and a 90° bend at the transition to the exploratory tunnel as well as a limited clearance profile with 8 m diameter), the contractor and client decided on an alternative supply of the TBM – the ’multi‐service vehicle' (MSV). This laser‐controlled train on rubber wheels without rails is able to handle both the steep access and the 90° bend. After 16 km of excavated tunnel with a top performance of 61 m/d and top monthly performance of up to 800 m in hard rock conditions with 1000 m overburden, the decision to use the MSV has proved to be a complete success. In addition to the logistics and safety advantages, a cost reduction has also been achieved compared to the planned conventional system. MSV are a cost‐effective and technically proven alternative to conventional track‐bound TBM supply equipment.

A Mild Method for Access to α‐Substituted Dithiomalonates through C‐Thiocarbonylation of Thioester: Synthesis of Mesoionic Insecticides

AbstractAn efficient method for targeting a variety of symmetrical and asymmetrical α‐substituted dithiomalonates (DTMs) is described, utilizing 1H‐imidazole‐1‐carbothioates as reactive acylating agents and MgBr2⋅OEt2/DBU or LiHMDS for soft or hard enolization conditions of thioesters, respectively. The utility of this methodology was demonstrated through the synthesis of the pyridopyrimidine mesoionic insecticides: triflumezopyrim and dicloromezotiaz.magnified image

A comprehensive underground excavation design (CUED) methodology for geotechnical engineering design of deep underground mining and tunneling

Underground excavation designs in mining and civil engineering projects are associated with a different geometric, complex ground structure, field–stresses, and groundwater conditions. Due to diverse influence factors and various requirements for each project, the design procedure should be customised based on the site-specific factors. The design procedure is only a direct and triggering process, while in a complex ground condition, mixed failure mechanisms may occur. The objective of this research is to present a new methodology "Comprehensive Underground Excavation Design" called CUED method with emphasis on diagnosis of ground behaviour and failure mechanism(s) in deep and hard rock conditions for long-term life expectations. The CUED method proposed in six steps including ground characterisation, diagnosis of ground behaviour, identifying failure mechanism, design analysis to manage ground behaviour, construction, field measurements/monitoring and design update. A procedure has been defined for each step by determination of input data, processing data and output data, so-called IPO approach. IPO is applied to determine parameters of the CUED method in each step. Based on the proposed method, rock mass composition provides sufficient information to the diagnosis of ground behaviour. Then, different types of failure modes and related mechanisms are evaluated following three main factors: rock mass structures, stress concentration and construction conditions/key features of the projects. In some cases, only one failure mechanism is dominant, but in many cases, may failure starts with one mechanism and then followed by other mechanism or combination of mechanisms. It makes the design more complicated and should be adjusted during operational stages. Design analysis to manage ground behaviour is carried out to determine appropriate strategy in an unstable ground such as selecting suitable excavation method, excavation sequences, and ground stabilisation methods regarding time-cost model of the projects. Meanwhile, the design parameters are implemented in the construction stage by excavation, loosening, depressurisation/stress management, quality control of materials and installing ground support systems. Optimisation of design parameters is performed through new acquired data in field measurements to reduce the risk of rock failures. The proposed design procedure was verified through several case studies from mining and underground excavation projects, and some typical cases were presented. The purpose of the proposed design method is to attempt to increase productivity, cost optimisation, safety improvement, and consequently diminish instability in underground excavations. The research results indicated that the proposed method efficiently increase safety and optimise the project's cost and time. The presented CUED method could be used as engineering tools for underground excavation design.

Characterization of Thermal Inertia and Footprint Carbon of Clay-Wool, Clay-Cork, and Clay-Plastic Composites

Passive solutions in the concept of energy efficiency play an important role in reducing energy consumption, and emissions of CO2. However, controlling the parameters of walls, and roof thermal Inertia is the perfect way to ensure comfort inside houses. In this paper, an investigation of thermal inertia behavior, and energy efficiency of clay with natural, and industrial additives: cork, wool, and waste of plastic. The use of those materials will improve the comfort of the inhabitants of the cold area who suffer from the hard climatic conditions, not just the block’s clay will be extracted from the same area but also they will be sun backed, the thing which will reduce the huge energy consumption of brickyard. A study of the energy efficiency of those materials was done using TRNSYS, and an evaluation of their environmental impact was evaluated by calculating their emissions in terms of CO2. The results obtained indicate an important characteristic in term of thermal Inertia, for a value of thermal transmittance of U= 0.55 W.m-2.K-1, we need 0.9m thickness of wall using the heavy concrete, however, if we use clay, we gain 69 %, clay-plastic we gain 79 %, clay cork, we gain 87 %, and by clay-wool, we earn 89 % in term of the wall’s thickness. For the delay of the heat flow of a wall of 25 cm, we could assure a delay of above 11h instead of just 2h for the heavy concrete. Concerning the heating need during a year during the cold season, the clay presents a need for 1500 KJ.h-1. Concerning the footprint carbon, the composite clay-cork has a negative footprint carbon; however, the clay and clay-wool present a low carbon emission near zero when the clay-plastic and the heavy concrete present the highest value of emissions.

Improvement of Sensor Technology for Monitoring Vocs in Harbour and Maritime Areas: Use Case and first Findings

Fugitive emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) resulting from industrial sources (e.g. storage tanks, gas pipelines or exhausted areas) are often sources of great concerns due to the release of unpleasant odors, irrespective if there is, or is not, a potential health impact (Manes et al., 2011). In this regard, trends of total VOCs are useful to detect the release of organic substances into the atmosphere for correlating them with potential odor harassments.Sensors based on photoionization principle have been successfully tested for continuous monitoring of the volatile organic compounds in ambient air: at the fence of productive plants; close to industrial factories or urban settlements (Locke et al., 1965). PID sensor is already proofed (University of Bari) for providing accurate data with detectable levels in the order of ppb, even in presence of high humidity conditions (Di Gilio et al., 2018). The aim of this study was the test of an innovative sensor technology (NetPID, Lab Service Analytica) capable of operating in hard weather conditions such as maritime environment, where equipment is exposed to high levels of moisture and condensate marine aerosols (droplet, not solubilized particles) (ref. MiniPID manual). The experimental design required the implementation of several PID detectors, placed on boats for dynamic monitoring of volatile organic compounds in an industrial harbour (Tsow et al., 2009). Electronic compensation for suppressing the non-specific contribution of moisture has been improved on these sensors: this led to a sensitivity below the ppb. In addition, flow chambers have been engineered and developed. Sensors have been also integrated on the dedicated smart network platform for collecting real-time data and trends with high resolution. Thanks to the data given by NetPID by the IoT platform, managers were so able to compare them with periodic information on port activities (storage, unloading, handling of raw and refined products). The setting of specific routines, based on the matching of multiple information levels (Port activities, total VOCs concentrations, weather conditions) (Choi et al., 2009), allowed to adopt the necessary corrective procedures for the mitigation of the impact of fugitive emissions in surrounded areas. Long-term tests have shown a high stability of instrumental responses, high robustness and reliability (Amodio et al., 2013).

XIX–XX A. PIRMOSIOS PUSĖS ŽVEJYBOS VERSLAI KURŠIŲ MARIŲ REGIONE

The article analyses the fishing and related occupations in the Curonian Lagoon region in the 19th – first half of the 20th centuries. A brief history of fishing in the Curonian Lagoon from ancient times is presented, thus providing historical context which might provide a better understanding of the processes that took place during the period analysed in the article. Available information from historical sources shows that besides fishing the lagoon fishermen were forced to engage in other occupations. The main reason for this was hard natural conditions of the region. Auxiliary fishing occupation soften were related to the fishermen’s skills acquired in fishing, such as boat building and management. Material of archaeological excavations carried out in 2012 at the site of former Kopgalis village is presented in the article. The material shows an important turning-point that took place in the 19 than 20th centuries in the region of the Curonian Lagoon – the transition from traditional fishing to a new activity – resort business. For the first time memoir material of Henrikas Cyrulis – native resident of Kintai village is presented in the study.

Analysis of the condition of solid tissues of teeth and the level of dental care provided to children with rheumatic diseases

Relevance. Rheumatic diseases strongly influence the condition of the oral cavity, salivary glands and the temporomandibular joint, that, along with poor oral hygiene in children and active growth, increases the risk of oral disease development. The growing number of rheumatic diseases in children requires evaluation of the oral cavity condition and assessment of the provided dental services; enhancement of the professional oral care in children with rheumatic diseases through the comprehensive evaluation of the quality of the performed dental procedures and development of caries prevention measures based on the analysis of the epidemiological survey results.Materials and methods. 316 children with rheumatic pathology aged 1 to 18 years were examined. The children were divided into three age groups: group I – 1-5 years, group II – 6-12 years, group III – 13-17 years. The Oral hygiene and past dental experience questionnaire was developed for each group. Hard dental tissue condition and caries intensity level (df – in group I, df+DMF – in group II, DMF – in group III) were assessed, the oral hygiene index was calculated by the child age. On dental examination, past caries treatment and its complications were considered, the level of dental care (LDC) according to Leus was assessed.Results. The received data on caries intensity in all age groups and all medical conditions were analyzed. The values corresponded to the high and very high intensity (4.2 to 13); the values were 1.89 – 3 times higher than the values received during the epidemiological survey in children of the same age groups in Russia. Multiple primary and secondary (as a complication after the previous dental treatment) caries, associated with poor oral hygiene, was detected. The data revealed that the dental care level in children with rheumatic diseases was ‘poor’ and ‘insufficient’ The interview of the children and their parents showed that 91% of children had never had preventive treatment and 89% of children visited the dentist less than twice a year. The examination revealed that secondary caries, that had developed in 50% of children after the treatment of caries and its complications, and bad fillings, that had to be replaced.Conclusions. Thus, indirect influence of the main disease on the hard dental tissues in children was revealed – motivation for dental treatment and good oral hygiene was decreased for the lack of knowledge. The analysis of dental treatment quality in such children was insufficient. Only emergency dental visits as well as inappropriate materials and methods used for the treatment of caries and its complications result in secondary caries. So, customized treatment approach and prevention programs should be developed and introduced for the oral care in children with rheumatic diseases according to the main disease course, administered background therapy and the level of dental health education.

Minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production in patients with dysfunctional breathing.

Dysfunctional breathing refers to a multi-dimensional condition that is characterised by pathological changes in an individual's breathing. These changes lead to a feeling of breathlessness and include alterations in the biomechanical, psychological and physiological aspects of breathing. This makes dysfunctional breathing a hard condition to diagnose, given the diversity of aspects that contribute to the feeling of breathlessness. The disorder can debilitate individuals without any health problems, but may also be present in those with underlying cardiopulmonary co-morbidities. The ventilatory equivalent for CO2 (V eqCO2 ) is a physiological parameter that can be measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This review will explore how this single measurement can be used to aid the diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing. A background discussion about dysfunctional breathing will allow readers to comprehend its multidimensional aspects. This will then allow readers to understand how V eqCO2 can be used in the wider diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing. Whilst V eqCO2 cannot be used as a singular parameter in the diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing, this review supports its use within a broader algorithm to detect physiological abnormalities in patients with dysfunctional breathing. This will allow for more individuals to be accurately diagnosed and appropriately managed.

Modeling and Analysis of N-Branch Hybrid Switched Inductor and Capacitor Converter

This paper proposes a family of N-Branch hybrid switched inductor and capacitor (SLC) converters. With the single circuit, the multi-level output voltage or current could be generated. The proposed converter is suitable both for the voltage source and the current source. The same LC network is reused for different LC branches. The proposed converter is controlled by the phase shift control method with a time domain multiplexing concept. The N level circuit is operated with the same frequency. One cycle period is divided into N small time cycles for each branch. The phase shift for each branch is 360°/N. The load voltage could be changed by modifying the duty cycle of the transistor. When the SLCs work in the resonant condition, the soft switching will be acquired. The power loss of transistors could be sharply reduced. In this paper, a 300 W SLC converter is constructed to verify the theoretical analysis and operation mechanism in the resonant condition and hard switching condition. With the experimental and simulated verification, the soft switching and the stable multi-level output voltage or current are achieved. The proposed SLC converter could be used for the multi-level voltage power supply system, such as the electric vehicle, the electric aircraft, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and a new energy generation system.

The battle between Frankenstein and Gilligan and the Law of Increasing Reservoir Complexification: What matters in three-dimensional reservoir characterization modeling?

Two end-member approaches to 3-D reservoir characterization modeling exist. The “Frankenstein” approach integrates hard and soft conditioning data while incorporating geologic concepts and interpretations, to construct a highly detailed deterministic model. The Frankenstein approach focuses on what is known about the reservoir, and is so named because construction of the model can be time-consuming, which can negatively impact project timelines, sometimes “killing” its creator. The “Gilligan” approach uses available data to build suites of models that are simple, and strives to address what is not known about the reservoir. Gilligan models are simplified, at least in the view of the Frankenstein modeler, and focus on quantitative characterizations of uncertainty. Reservoirs usually become more complex with new data from wells and production, a concept referred to here as “the Law of Increasing Reservoir Complexification”. The Law of Increasing Reservoir Complexification should influence earth modeling workflow choices. Currently, the Gilligan probabilistic modeling approach is more commonly employed in early phases of projects. The appearance of overly complex Frankenstein models when probabilistic models are needed remains an ongoing problem. Mature reservoirs typically possess uncertainties that could influence business decisions, and may warrant a Gilligan probabilistic approach as well. No single recipe exists for choosing the best 3-D modeling approach: a fit for purpose or Goldilocks modeling approach should depend on business needs and requirements. Recognition that uncertainty is a fundamental and prevalent driver of business value for all reservoirs in all phases of development demands widespread adoption of probabilistic or Gilligan approaches.

Architecture of the scape: Thermal assessment of refugee shelter design in the extremes climates of Jordan, Afghanistan and South Sudan

In the face of the largest human displacement ever recorded in modern history more than 79.5 million persons around the world have been forced to flee their homes worldwide at the end of 2019, from which 30 million are refugees. However, most shelters lack actual capacity to provide adequate thermal control for much of the year time; whereas many are located in regions with hard weather conditions, most fail to maintain temperature and humidity within accepted human comfort levels. This fact triggers ad hoc users' responses that compromise their sense of security, privacy, and belonging, and in some cases, challenge their cultural traditions. This study evaluates the thermal performance of the three most common UNHCR's shelters design for refugees assigned to the three extreme climatic regions facing this crisis worldwide: Jordan, Afghanistan, and South Sudan and links with the regional particularities. Seasonal analyses are carried out through computer simulations contrasted with data collected in-situ. The study also tests variations of the thermal performance of each shelter type under the other climate locations seeking for potential matches. Findings show that UNHCR's shelter type A has the best regulation of humidity levels and potential for exportation, and that type C has the best performance for thermal stability although greater difficulties and application for rapid deployment. The study concludes with a detailed assessment of current designs' strengths and weaknesses that could inform future shelter designs or alterations of existing units to improve refugees' living conditions.

« Ici rien n’est vert. Ici rien n’est végétal. Ici rien n’est vivant » : l’hiver dans les témoignages des camps de concentration

For the prisoners of the concentration camps winter with its seasonal attributes as the icy cold or snow is more than a meteorogical phenomenon. The arrival of winter not only announces the annihilation of the prisonners, but also and perhaps above all their dashing and the unspeakable suffering to come out. In this paper we wish to study in the light of such authors as Robert Antelme, Charlotte Delbo, Primo Levi, David Rousset and Jorge Semprún how the hard weather conditions are able to redraw the space and the prisoners’Horizon of despair.

The Cytotoxic Effect of the Extract of Anchusa strigosa (Him Him) Grown in Jordan Against Different Cancer Cell Lines

Anchusa strigosa - prickly alkanet from Boraginaceae grows in roadsides, and fields of a broad range of habitats from mediterranean woodlands, to steppe vegetation, to true desert. It is commonly known as" him him" or "lisan al thawr". Anchusa can withstand hard weather conditions and hence is widely cultivated. The color of its flowers can range from pure white to deep cobalt blue. Various parts of A. strigosa are used in traditional medicine for treating several diseases or symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bronchitis, cough, and diarrhea. The goal of this study was to examine the cytotoxic effect of the crude extract of A. strigosa roots and leaves and their fractions against various tumor cell lines: adenocarcinoma MCF-7, human breast ductal carcinoma T-47D; human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231; and colorectal carcinomas Caco-2. In conclusion the antiproliferative effect was assessed by SRB assay where it showed that the phytochemical constituents in the leaf part of the plant (A. strigosa) do have more potential in depressing the proliferation rate of the cell lines than the root part.

Inter-evaluator and Intra-evaluator Reliability of a Software Program Used to Extract Kinematic Variables Obtained by an Extremity-Mounted Inertial Measurement Unit System in Sound Horses at the Trot Under Soft and Hard Ground Conditions and Treadmill Exercise.

Objective: To assess the inter-evaluator and intra-evaluator reliability of a software program used to extract kinematic variables by a commercially available extremity-mounted inertial measurement unit system in sound horses at the trot under soft and hard ground conditions and treadmill exercise.Animals: Thirty adult, sound and healthy French Montagne stallions.Procedures: Data collection was performed with six IMUs strapped to the distal, metacarpal, metatarsal and tibial regions of every horse. Per surface (treadmill, soft and hard ground) 10 stallions were trotted three times. Prior to the analysis done by six evaluators (three experienced, three inexperienced) the data was blinded and copied three times. For every analysis a minimum of five strides had to be selected. To assess the intra- and inter-evaluator reliability a selection of gait variables was used to calculate intra and inter correlation coefficients (ICCs) as well as variance partitioning coefficients (VPCs).Results: All of the tested gait variables showed high levels of reliability. There was no mentionable difference considering the correlation coefficients between the intra and inter reliability as well as between the three different surfaces. VPCs showed that the factor horse is by far the most responsible for any appearing variance. The experience of the evaluator had no influence on the results.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The software program tested in this study has a high inter- and intra-evaluator reliability under the chosen conditions for the selected variables and acts independent of the ground situation and the experience of the evaluator. On the condition of a correct application it has the potential to become a clinically relevant and reliable gait analysis tool.

Нечеткие фазовые траектории волновых твердотельных гироскопов

The paper considers elementary fuzzy oscillator models represented by hard and fuzzy second-order differential equations with hard and fuzzy initial conditions. Linear models describe wave processes in ring resonators of hemispherical resonator gyroscopes.We show that in the case 1 (a hard model with fuzzy initial conditions), when there is no internal friction (model 1), phase trajectories appear as a fuzzy centre shaped as an elliptical ring. When internal friction is present (model 2), phase trajectories appear as a fuzzy focus shaped as a circular logarithmic spiral. In the case 2, for a fuzzy hemispherical resonator gyroscope model with hard initial conditions, when there is no internal friction (model 1), a representative point of a fuzzy phase trajectory does not stop or increase its oscillations with time, meaning that the system is asymptotically unstable, while for the model 2 the origin singularity is a fuzzy stable focus. In the case 3, for a fuzzy hemispherical resonator gyroscope model with fuzzy initial conditions, when there is no internal friction (model 1), there is a fuzzy asymptotic instability in the model 1 of a hemispherical resonator gyroscope, while in the presence of internal friction (model 2), the phase trajectory is also a function of time and controls the asymptotic stability of the fuzzy model 2 of a hemispherical resonator gyroscope. Asymptotic stability is determined for all cases and models

Probabilistic seismic hazard mapping of National Capital Region of India using a modified gridded seismicity model

This is the first comprehensive study for a seismic macro-zonation of the National Capital Region of India by using the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis approach. A modified gridded seismicity model is used for this purpose, in which the earthquake occurrence rates obtained using the Gutenberg-Richter's (G-R) relationships for conventional area type seismic sources are distributed non-uniformly among a grid of cells. This provides a more robust approach than the commonly used weighted sum of area sources of homogeneous seismicity and the zone-free smoothed gridded seismicity. Other distinguishing features of the present analysis include: detailed seismotectonic evaluation of the region to identify seven area type seismic sources, compilation of a comprehensive earthquake catalogue for the estimation of seismicity recurrence parameters, selection of the most appropriate ground motion prediction equation by using a database of 71 strong motion accelerograms recorded in the region, and estimation of the compatible distance parameters by associating a fictitious fault rupture plane to each grid cell with appropriate strike and dip angles. Hazards maps are prepared for the hard rock site condition in terms of the peak ground acceleration and the 5%-damping acceleration response spectrum amplitudes for several combinations of natural periods and return periods. A simple empirical approach is also developed to obtain amplification factors for modifying the uniform hazard response spectra for the rock sites to those for the soil sites with a given VS30 value. The hazard estimates from this study are found to be somewhat higher with greater site-to-site variations as compared to those from the earlier studies.