Thrust Research Articles

A multidiscipline method of geological survey,seismic profile and gravity measurement applied to fold-and-thrust belt:a case study along the Hutubi River in the northern piedmont of Tianshan

Fold-and-thrust belts are hot topics in the research of orogens. However, the single geological or geophysical discipline often provides multisolutions on the geometry of a fold-and-thrust belt. We introduce here a multidisciplinary method combining geological and geophysical methods, take the Hutubi River section as a case to study the geometry of the fold-and-thrust belt in the northern piedmont of Tianshan. Firstly, we have carefully taken geological survey and got structural data on the surface. Secondly, petroleum seismic profile was re-interpreted based on the surface data and drilled wells. However, the seismic profile is absent in the contact zone between the mountain and the Junggar basin. We therefore carried out gravity measurements and forward modeling along this profile with the densities of the basement and sediments. The result shows that the northern flank fault of Tianshan doesn't exist along the Hutubi River profile, and the basin sediments could be continually followed from the basin to the mountain interior. This indicates that the tectonic structures in the contact zones between the mountain and the basin are variable, as the western section in the Jingou River section shows that the Tianshan basement thrusts northward on the basin sediments. Based on the balance-section technology, the restored section shows 4. 8 km of shortening. Comparing with previous results, this indicates the heterogeneous deformation along the northern piedmont of Tianshan. It also implies that this multidisciplinary method could be widely used in the fold-and-thrust belt.

Frequency of specific osteopathic manipulative treatment modalities used by candidates while taking COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE.

As one of the key measures of clinical skills assessment, the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination-USA Level 2-Performance Evaluation (COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE) is used to rate candidates' performance of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). To evaluate the frequency of specific OMT modalities used by COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE candidates and to report frequent use on the basis of clinical presentation. With enhanced scoring procedures in place, OMT physician-examiners identified and documented specific OMT techniques that were performed by candidates at the 28 colleges of osteopathic medicine and branch campuses that had eligible students at that time. A frequency analysis for OMT techniques, according to clinical content axis, was applied to all candidates (N=4757) for the 2010-2011 testing cycle. Students used a wide range of specific OMT techniques. Candidates performed 24,202 instances of specific OMT techniques, including 10,471 myofascial/soft tissue (43.3%), 3942 muscle energy (16.3%), 1676 sinus drainage (6.9%), 1476 inhibition (6.1%), 1221 fascial release (5.0%), 1171 rib raising (4.8%), 918 lymphatic (3.8%), and 866 counterstrain (3.6%). A few students (<0.01%) used high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA), a technique that is prohibited from use on the COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE because of the potential hazard of repeatedly treating a standardized patient with thrust technique to the same segment in a given day. Additional techniques included functional, facilitated positional release, balanced ligamentous tension, and visceral. Use of techniques also varied according to the clinical presentation of the standardized patient (ie, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromusculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, or other) and chronicity (ie, acute or chronic). Findings contributed to a better understanding of the types of OMT techniques being used by candidates taking COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE. Frequency of use of specific OMT modalities varied according to clinical case presentation.

Was the Mirandola thrust really involved in the Emilia 2012 seismic sequence (northern Italy)? Implications on the likelihood of triggered seismicity effects

Was the Mirandola thrust really involved in the Emilia 2012 seismic sequence (northern Italy)? Implications on the likelihood of triggered seismicity effects

CUCKOO OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM BASED DESIGN FOR LOW-SPEED LINEAR INDUCTION MOTOR

Abstract. In these years, linear induction machines (LIMs) are widely used in rapid transportation applications and these machines achieve thrust directly without gear device, link or axial mechanism system. Furthermore LIMs have numerous other benefits such as not complex body and easy repairing. Unfortunately LMIs have big disadvantage: not good efficiency and weak power factor. These disadvantages cause high energy loss and a rise in input current value, and occupy transmission line capacity. In this research article, a multiobjective optimization system based on cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA) to enhance both efficiency and power factor is introduced, concurrently. The suggested intelligent system is established on capability of nature-based optimization algorithms in selecting the optimal solution. One benchmark and standard example is applied to show the operation of the design method and optimization system. The advantage features of the COA is due to its capability to concurrently refine a local search, as searching globally solution in search space. Furthermore, computer simulation results demonstrate that proposed method have a low dependency on oscillation of the variables. Also, the applied optimization technique was very speedy, requiring a low time to discover the optimum result in search space.

The Convergence of Insurance with Banking and Securities Industries, and the Limits of Regulatory Arbitrage in Finance

This Article examines the regulatory challenges raised by recent, overlooked changes in insurance markets that have led to a functional convergence between insurance and the broader financial sector. The law literature on financial regulation last addressed the issue of convergence over a decade ago, before the latest generation of market innovation and at a time when concern over systemic stability was not at the forefront. This Article revisits the convergence phenomenon in the context of insurance, and does so by applying an analytical framework that distinguishes between two “boundary problems” that accompany all financial regulation. One problem concerns jurisdictional boundaries: to what degree does market integration require that diverse regulations be harmonized across jurisdictions? The other relates to definitional boundaries: within a given jurisdiction, how should distinctions be drawn among financial products or firms that have come to perform similar economic functions? Applying this framework leads to two conclusions that are in tension with the current thrust of policy as well as the literature. First, the Federal Insurance Office established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is inappropriately structured to leverage international harmonization agreements into domestic reforms, whereas the reverse orientation would be more effective. Second, frequent calls for more “functional regulation” fail to appreciate the subtle advantages of retaining formalistic legal definitions, even in the face of increasing economic convergence. Although this Article explains how the two boundary problems raise distinct sets of policy tradeoffs, at bottom both are a product of the possibility for regulatory arbitrage across jurisdictions or industry definitions, and the potential for a loosely regulated shadow finance sector to arise. Here, insurance is used as a case study for finance in general, to demonstrate that regulatory arbitrage can occur along a surprising number of fronts, which compounds the difficulty of obtaining reliable ex ante estimates of a proposed financial regulation’s effects.

Calculation and analysis of fluid dynamic thrust force in main piping double-ended break of AP1000 secondary loop

Calculation and analysis of fluid dynamic thrust force in main piping double-ended break of AP1000 secondary loop

Preheating characteristics of H2O2 monopropellant thruster using manganese oxide catalyst

Preheating characteristics of hydrogen peroxide monopropellant thruster with manganese oxide catalyst were investigated. Monopropellant thruster requires to preheat a catalyst bed for efficient operation in space environment. Optimum preheating temperature of hydrazine monopropellant thruster was well studied. However, preheating characteristics of 90 wt% hydrogen peroxide monopropellant thruster with manganese oxide catalyst are still a subject to research. For this purpose, a 50 N vacuum thrust class monopropellant thruster was employed. The preheating temperature was from 50 °C to 250 °C in increments of 50 °C, and a test in cold start was included as a control group. Their preheating characteristics were expressed in terms of rising time and pressure instability. The results indicate that a significant improvement in rising time and pressure instability was observed until the preheating temperature reached 150 °C. However, in further preheating temperature, the results showed no noteworthy improvements.

Design of Fixed Pitch Propeller and Water Jet Propulsion System for A Frigate

The application of waterjets is rapidly growing and they are increasingly being chosen for propulsion in high-speed crafts. In this paper we intend to design an integrated propulsion system which incorporates both the screw propeller and the waterjet propulsion. Disregarding the possibility of paddlewheels or sail, the only practical alternatives for putting thrust to the water are propellers and waterjets. Each has their own inherent strengths and weaknesses. Generally, waterjet drives have found the most applications on semi planing or planing boats intended to go over 25 knots. Propellers are more often applied to slower speed vessels with displacement or semi planing hulls. The parameters governing the design of the screw propeller are 1. pitch distribution, 2. chamber distribution, 3. rake distribution, 4. skew distribution, 5. thickness distribution. The parameters influencing the design of the waterjet are 1. Inlet, 2. Nozzle, 3. Pump. The design process will be completed once we optimize these parameters for the desired thrust and power requirements. However, our design method is purely numerical, and to be supported by experimental studies.

Coseismic and postseismic deformation of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake from InSAR

On 12 May 2008,an M_w7.9 earthquake occurred on the Longmenshan fault system at the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tihet Plateau near Wenchuan City.Here we obtained the ionospheric perturbations in Japanese ALOS/PALSAR images covering the epicenter of Wenchuan earthquake from the corresponding azimuth offsets,and determined highly precise and continuous InSAR surface displacements using those that are not strongly affected by ionospheric perturbations.Combing with the GPS coseismic deformation,a joint model considering both coseismic and postseismic phases is constructed to study the coseismic slip distribution of the Wenchuan earthquake and the viscous structure of the Longmenshan region.The best-fitting slip model suggests that the earthquake is an event with very complex fault rupture.The slips of Hongkou,Yuejiashan,Beichuan,and Hanwang segments are dominated by the thrust movement and the Qingchuan segment experiences a dominant right-lateral strike slip.The major slip occurred mainly at the depth of less than 10 km,with a maximum slip of 10.7 m on the northeastern Hongkou segment.The determined geodetic moment is approximately 9.28 × 10~(20) N ? m(M_w7.91),which is consistent with the results of seismology.The mid to lower crustal viscosity derived from the joint model in a Maxwell half-space is 2×10~(18) Pa ? s,which places a strong low bound on viscosity in the Longmenshan region.Postseismic displacements time series covering a longer time span might have the potential to improve this constraint.

Yug Nirman Movement, Socialization and Values' Inculcation

Many reform movements in India are going on for the betterment of society as a whole. Such movements are lesser studied and reported in the sociological literature. Therefore they need to be focused on. In this context, the present work is a study of a reform movement i.e., 'Yug Nirman Movement'(Gayatri Pariwar) initiated by a spiritual/charismatic person. Having some religious components, the movement has been going on for some years in different parts of India and has also gone beyond the national boundaries. In the light of this, the present study tries to explore how the followers of this movement are enhancing their status in their families and communities by inculcating values. To study this, impact has been observed on individuals and their families.The present study focuses on a village Shaulana in district Ghaziabad, hardly 35 km, from Amity. This village is known for its continuous participation in the activities of'YugNirman Movement'. The newspapers and television reports have also covered the activities of this movement undertaken in this village. This village has become the model village for the activities of the movement in the list of the headquarters, Shantikunj, Hardwar. Thus, so well known for the activities of the 'movement' this village has been selected for empirical study to look into the impact. The Data have been collected with the help of some specific research techniques like observation, interview, interview schedule/guide, case study, etc.The impact of 'Yug Nirman Movement' has been observed on its followers and their families. Through the present study, it may be concluded that 'Yug Nirman Movement' is becoming a powerful agency of socialization through values. Its followers are socializing themselves by performing yagya, meditation and recitation, adopting values, adopting /knowing other arts and skills, and enhancing their status in family and village and enhancing cooperation and unity among their family members by participation in the activities of the movement with their family members.Rationale ofthe problemMost of the social reforms in India have been addressed to religion, spiritual tenets, customary practices, traditional evils, emerging social problems created by urbanization, and new modes of economy. These had very limited effect on the masses. Social reform however, should be visualized as a dynamic activity as the society will never be free from problems of one or the other kind (Misra, 1990: 68-80).The main thrust of such socio-religious reform movement was to revive or rejuvenate the Hindu religion and society. The social reform movements contributed to the development of nationalism on regional and religious lines (Shah, 1990: 164). The reformers took up several issues. They included elimination of or change in certain caste regulations and rituals as the 'sati' system, widow remarriage, child marriage, status of women, girls' education, prohibition, etc. Though a few talked against the caste hierarchy and untouchability but most of the reformers (except a few who led the anti-Brahmin movement), did not challenge the social structure. They adopted a gradualist approach (ibid: 162).The reformers either revolted individually or formed associations. These associations were of three types: general (or voluntary) associations; caste reform associations and religious reform bodies (generally called Samaj) (ibid.). The most prominent associations were related to religious reforms. Raja Rammohan Roy, who protested against the 'Sati' system, formed the Brahmo Samaj which remained the centre for social reform activities in Bengal. The Prarthana Samaj came into existence in Bombay under the leadership of Mahadev Govind Ranade. The Arya Samaj, formed by Dayanand Saraswati, had predominant influence in Punjab and North India (Shah, 1990:163).Most of the reformist movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Prathana Samaj and Theosophical Society have been the movements of religious reform i. …

Wheel slip phenomena

A new approach is given to explain vehicle tyre slip phenomena. With this approach the term 'wheel slip', as used by engineers in connection with off–road machines, covers four different physical phenomena which we call respectively slip of the first, second, third and fourth type. Three of these phenomena do not involve the actual slipping of a tyre on a surface and, in addition, two of them are not essentially slipping. The main attention is focused on the components of slip which can explain the experimental deviation of a flexible tyre behaviour from zero slip without any sliding at the tyre–surface contact zone. Based on this interpretation of the slip phenomena, an explanation of the well known experimental relationships between pull (thrust) and slip is discussed. This new approach is used for the development of a vehicle ride simulation computer system.

Environmental management: An agenda for action

A business agenda for sustainable development is described, where the main thrust is to be the manufacture of durable and recyclable goods by processes which minimize the production of waste and polluting emissions. This is to be achieved through education, research and innovation with a more open dialogue between producers and society.

Variable stroke piston mechanism for spark ignition engines

The concept of load control in internal combustion engines by eliminating the inlet throttle and replacing it by controlling the piston stroke has gained great publicity recently. Nevertheless, certain design parameters should be considered in order to make this concept worthwhile. In this study, an optimized mechanism for varying engine stroke has been introduced. A criterion based upon the use of complex numbers technique was used to analyse the mechanism kinematically and dynamically and the results were then verified using graphical solution. The mechanism was found to produce up to 56% stroke variation within the control actuator capabilities. The compression ratio was found unchanged (within + 6%) which helps maintain steady combustion process. The entire mechanism is well tuned and no spark plug timing adjustment is required during stroke variation. The piston side thrust due to connecting rod angularities was found to be fairly low and should not impose any wear problems in the engine cylinder walls.

Issues and concerns in smallholder livestock genetic improvement programs in Africa.

Improvement of smallholder livestock genetic resources is of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment on the African continent. Inconclusive considerable debate on smallholder livestock improvement strategies and utilization of local livestock genetic resources has been going on since the past two decades. This has been necessitated by the realization of the need to reduce poverty and enhance food security and produce more animal products to feed the ever increasing national populations in Africa, which seen more compelling than ever. It has been acknowledged that partly the overall continental increase in livestock productivity can be achieved through appropriate and support of the smallholder livestock improvement programs. It is believed that within the smallholder livestock production systems which is characterized by a generally low input-output system, the sustainability of animal breeding efforts to improve animal productivity becomes a dominant factor. Smallholder livestock improvement is not achieving the expected increase in livestock productivity to meet the growing demand for animal products for several reasons, including poor infrastructure, investment environment, financial resources and lack of local expertise and scientific research in addition to poor livestock support services. There is perceived need for improved livestock production in the smallholder areas, however livestock productivity has remained very low, but indigenous livestock are numerous which makes them attractive as potential tool for poverty reduction and improvement of family food security and livelihoods in smallholder farming in Africa. Changes in the demand for livestock products will be largely be driven by human population growth, income growth and urbanization, however the production response in different livestock production systems to meet this demand will be associated with livestock improvement thrust which take into account the modern science and technology in livestock improvement. This discussion attempts a rapid summary of some issues and concerns perceived important in promoting smallholder livestock improvement programs, in relation to recent and previous outcomes, coupled with a brief assessment of some of the challenges faced in implementation of smallholder livestock improvement programs. Some of the challenges and opportunities such as unfavorable livestock policies, dilapidated infrastructure and limited livestock research and characterization of local livestock populations are highlighted. Genetic improvement of livestock indigenous to Africa for targeted performance characteristics of economic benefit for smallholder farmers is necessary for effective selection for both use in straight breeding and crossbreeding. In future, livestock improvement programs are likely to be increasingly characterized by differences between developed and developing countries, and between highly intensive production systems on the one hand and smallholder livestock production on the other hand. How smallholder livestock improvement programs will be implemented in the coming decades is highly uncertain, however, of the many uncertainties, one seem over-arching. Can future demand for livestock products be met through sustainable intensification of smallholder livestock improvement programs on the African continent? With the right institutional and financial arrangements, government, research institutions and donor agencies support can assist in successful implementation of smallholder livestock improvement programs on the continent, improving the capacity of smallholder livestock resource poor farmers to contribute significantly to individual national economies.

Damming Rivers in the Tectonically Resurgent Uttarakhand Himalaya

In the fault-ridden, seismically and tectonically active belts recurrently ravaged by excessive rains and resultant landslides in Uttarakhand, a very large number of big and small dams are being constructed and planned. Quite many of these projects suffered crippling damages during the 2013 disaster as mountain slopes slid down and floodwater severely eroded stream banks and dumped huge volumes of sediments on critical facilities. If the idea is to have environment-friendly power projects, then the planners and dam builders must not ignore the geological reality of the geodynamically sensitive region. Better sites for dams can be explored far upstream of the Main Central Thrust Zone.

Scaling theory for liquid propellant rocket thrust chambers

With the advent of the very large liquid propellant rocket, it has become necessary, if possible, to derive a rational scaling theory for combustion chamber design so as to enable relatively simple and economical initial tests to be carried out on small scaled models using scaled parameters of propellant mass flows, pressure etc., and from these to predict operating and design data for the full scale rocket. Owing to the complex and interdependent nature of the aerothermo-chemical processes in the chamber involving evaporation, diffusion and chemical reaction, the similarity criteria must necessarily extend over several, non-dimensional parameters, but it is still possible to evolve relatively simple rules for correlating the design and performance of the model and large scale motors-as shown by Penner-Tsien and Crocco. The paper concludes with a discussion of the accuracy and practical feasibility of such scaling rules.

Efficacy of lidocaine solid lipid nanoparticles for sciatic nerve blockade in rats

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of lidocaine solid lipid nanoparticles (L-SLNs) for sciatic nerve blockade in rats.Methods Lidocaine-loaded SLNs were prepared using high pressure homogenization.Ninety SPF male Wistar rats,weighing 220-280 g,were randomized into 6 groups (n =15 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),1％ L-SLN group (group L1-SLN),1％ lidocaine group (group L1),2％ L-SLN group (group L2-SLN),2％ lidocaine group (group L2),and blank SLN group (group SLN).In C,L1-SLN,L1,L2-SLN,L2 and SLN groups,normal saline,1％ lidocaine SLN,1％ lidocaine,2％ lidocaine SLN,2％ lidocaine and blank SLN (200 μl) were injected,respectively,around the sciatic nerve.Before sciatic nerve blockade (baseline) and at 10,20,30,60,120,180,240,300,360,420,480,540 and 600 min after blockade,the paw withdraw latency to a thermal stimulus was measured,and maximum possible effect (MPE) was calculated to reflect the degree of sensory block.Before sciatic nerve blockade and at 10,20,30,60,120 and 150 min after blockade,extensor postural thrust (EPT) of the hind limbs was detected to reflect the degree of motor block.The sciatic nerve at the injection site and the tissues around the site were obtained for observation of the pathological changes at 2 days and 1 and 4 weeks after blockade.Results Compared with the baseline value before blockade and group C,the MPE was significantly increased in at 10-30 min after blockade group L1,at 10-60 min after blockade in group L2,at 10-360 min after blockade in group L1-SLN,and at 10-540 min after blockade in group L2-SLN,and the EPT was decreased at 10-30 min after blockade in group L1,at 10-60 min after blockade in group L2 and group L1-SLN,and at 10-90 min after blockade in group L2-SLN.Compared with group L1,the MPE was significantly decreased at 10 min after blockade,no significant change was found at 20-30 min after blockade,and the MPE was increased at 60-360 min after blockade,and the EPT was increased at 10-30 min after blockade,and no significant change was found at the other time points in group L1-SLN.Compared with group L2,no significant change was found in the MPE at 10-30 min after blockade,the MPE was significantly increased at 60-540 minafter blockade,and the EPT was increased at 10-60 min after blockade,and no significant change was found at the other time points in L2-SLN group.In SLN,L1-SLN and L2-SLN groups,no pathological changes were found in the sciatic nerve at the injection site and the tissues around the site,and only mild inflammatory responses were observed.Conclusion L-SLNs can prolong the duration of block when applied for sciatic nerve blockade in rats and biocompatibility is good. Key words: Nanocapsules; Lidocaine; Nerve block; Sciatic nerve

Optimum Staging with Varying Thrust Attitude Angle

Optimum staging programme for step rockets of arbitrary number of stages having different specific impulses and mass fractions with stages is derived, the optimization criterion being minimum take-off weight for a desired burntout velocity at an assigned altitude. Variation of thrust attitude angle from stage to stage and effects of gravity factor are taken into account. Analysis is performed for a degenerate problem obtained by relaxing the altitude constraint and it has been shown that problems of Weisbord, Subotowicz, Hall & Zambelli and Malina & Summerfield are the particular cases of the degenerate problem.

Effect of small variations in rocket design parameters on its performance

The effects of small changes in the design variables of a rocket on its flight performance- all-burnt velocity and height at all-burnt are deduced. Also the effects on all-burnt height when all-burnt velocity is kept constant by changing either (i) payload weight or (ii) propellant weight or (iii) thrust separately have been found with changes in other design parameters.

Employee Engagement in Corporate Dental Clinics: An Incredible Challenge

The Indian healthcare sector is expected to reach US$ 100 billion by 2015 from the current US$ 65 billion, growing at around 20 per cent a year, according to rating agency Fitch. Some of the major factors driving the growth in the sector include increasing population, growing lifestyle related health issues, cheaper costs for treatment, thrust in medical tourism, improving health insurance penetration, increasing disposable income, government initiatives and focus on Public Private Partnership (PPP) models Companies - the corporate dental clinics announced their presence with a view to providing comprehensive dental care by specialized professionals. With further expansion of the group Companies diversified into the fields of Contemporary Dental Education, Research and Dental Project Consultancy services and tie up with New York University College of Dentistry. This report gives comprehensive details of challenges ahead of Top Management to maintain ownership of employees as since 2008; healthcare industry particularly in Dentistry; particularly in Maharashtra started adopting new dimensions with new world class treatments and technologies. The Risk ahead of Top Management of Companies has been that their staffs are attracted by other giant Single person private practitioners at large and how it is tackled by Companies Top Management. This paper focuses on current situation in Corporate Dental Clinics and the role top management commitments for the corporate sustainability.