69 research outputs found
Recommended from our members
Optimized State Estimation Method for Structural Health Monitoring Using Heterogeneous Measurements Under Uncertainty
No full textAn optimized state estimation method that can effectively incorporate uncertainties associated with structural models and measurements is proposed for structural health monitoring. Heterogeneous structural measurements consisting of strain and acceleration time-histories are fused through a state space framework to obtain good quality state estimates over a broader range of frequencies. The unknown states are estimated through an augmented Kalman filter (AKF) which can identify all the states including structural response as well as excitations while effectively incorporating model error and measurement noise. Genetic algorithm-based optimization strategies are adopted to address the uncertainty issues and improve the efficacy of the state estimation process. Optimization is performed at two stages. First, sensor configuration is optimized; second, error covariance values on model, structural measurements and excitations, involved in the Kalman filter process, are optimized. Four studies are carried out for the development and validation of the proposed method. The first two studies are related to optimization of sensor configuration and error covariance values while the other two are focused on the performance validation of the proposed method through case studies, especially related to input force identification. In the first study, sensor numbers, locations and types are optimized using a genetic algorithm with a single objective function whereas in the second study, sensor configuration is optimized for spatially-varying dynamic loading of bridges using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The third study pertains to spatiotemporal identification of impact force and corresponding structural responses. The concept of redundant sensors is utilized to locate the impact force, and then exact time-histories of force and structural responses are generated by optimizing the error covariance values. The fourth study is about the identification of traffic induced structural excitations. The study shows that once the state estimation method is optimized by selecting suitable error covariance values it remains stable against any traffic regime. A truss bridge example is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on identifying the traffic induced structural excitations. The results from all the studies show that the proposed method can effectively identify the structural response and excitations while successfully dealing with the uncertainties in structural models and measurements. Hence, it has a great potential for practical application to real-life structures.Release after 01/09/2025Originally set to release after 01/10/2022; contacted by the Graduate College on the author's behalf to extend the embargo through 01/10/2024, 01/05/2022, Kimberly; contacted by Graduate College to extend embargo through 01/09/2025, 12/24/2023, Kimberl
Entrepreneurial intentions among university students in Italy
No full textPurpose: In Italy, thousands of university graduates intend to engage in job being their first choice rather to start their own businesses. The aim of this study is to explore university students' entrepreneurial mindset and their intentions for starting a new business by investigating the deterring factors which restrict them to go towards self-employment. Methodology: The primary data were collected by a self-prepared questionnaire to assess the role of explanatory factors such as gender, age, degree, department, previous education, previous grades, job experience, business experience, family background, entrepreneurial education, personality traits (Five Factor Model), finance and government support with the dependent variable 'entrepreneurial intentions'. The data was then analysed using multiple regression model. Findings: Gender, family background, entrepreneurial education, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience showed positive results while age, previous grades, and neuroticism showed a negative relationship with entrepreneurial intentions. Limitations: This study was limited to its sample population and the set of explanatory variables which can be extended in the future research. Originality: This study fulfils the need to identify the factors which play a significant role in influencing the students' entrepreneurial mindset. This is a latest study with the selected factors in the context of the Italian university students
Sind under the Mughuls : an introduction to, translation of and commentary on the Maẓhar-i Shāhjahānī of Yūsuf Mīrak (1044/1634)
Full text linkStarted as a simple translation of the second half of the
Mazhar-i Shahjahani a matchless compendium on the working of the Mughul
administration in Sind, the present thesis has developed into an
exhaustive history of relations between the Arghuns and Tarkhans of Sind
and the Great Mughul of India from the days of Timur down to the reign
of Jahangir. The thesis comprises three parts: Introduction, Translation
of the second half of the Mazhar-i. Shahjahani, and the Commentary.
The Introduction consists of three Sections. Section I traces the
origin of the Arghuns, their rise to power in Qandahar, their conflicts
with Babur and in doing so sheds significant light on the number, nature
and duration of the latter's campaigns against that important Arghun
stronghold prior to his triumphant advent into Hindustan. The later part
of this Section deals with the Arghun rule in Sind, Humáyün's wanderings
in this region, the mutual rivalries of the successors of Mirza Shah Hasan
Arghün, division of Sind into two independent principalities of Bhakkar
and Thatta and their subsequent absorption into the Mughul Empire.
Section II of the Introduction deals at length with the details
about the author and his family, while Section III seeks to evaluate
the importance of the Mazhar-i. Shahjahani among the histories of Sind
and the 'Mirrors for Princes' written in India, particularly for or
under the Great Mughuls.
To facilitate the finding of answers to the questions arising from
the study of the Translation and to compensate for the absence of an
elaborate index, the Introduction has been divided into convenient
sub-sections.
The Translation is based upon the only surviving (author's
autograph) MS. 7743 of the Mazhar-i Shahjahani preserved in the Library of
the Punjab University, Lahore. While the commonly known administrative
terms, & c., have been retained in their original form, the unfamiliar
technical terms, words and phrases have been rendered into English, but
their Persian versions have been placed alongside in brackets. Those of
the abstruse terms and expressions which could not be found in standard
lexicographical works, they were resolved on the analogy of their usage
by other writers of Persian historical works in India.
The Commentary treats of all types of important points pertaining to
the Translation. The number on the left hand side of the colon at the beginning of each explanation refers to the page of the Translation, while
the one on the right hand side indicates the line where that particular
point occurs. The biographies of the historical personages, & c., have
been written very painstakingly and could be of immense value in the
compilation of a comprehensive history of Sind, whenever that comes to he
written.
The Introduction and Commentary also have the merit of being a
comparative study of the contemporary and secondary sources on the history
of Sind, and even a cursory glance through the foot-notes is enough to
show their thoroughness. They underline the importance of critical
edition of the original historical texts before they are translated into
any other language. They also bring out the necessity of fusion between
the knowledge of Persian and a certain degree of training as historian
before one can undertake the edition or translation of a historical text
on scientific grounds.
In the execution of this enterprise, the present writer has not
infrequently disagreed with his precursors. In criticising their works,
to which he himself owes tremendously, he was inspired by the same lofty
ideals which prompted Hodivala to undertake the writing of the Studies
in Indo-Muslim History and the idea of discrediting or disparaging them
never crossed his mind because he was more than anybody else conscious of
the fact that Hama chlz kamagán ddnand oca kamagán kanüz az madaA na záda
and ('It is the whole of mankind that knows everything, and the whole of
mankind has not yet been born'). Nevertheless, the pursuit of the truth
transcended all considerations and no pain was considered too great to
reach to the facts
Experimental Characterization of Prefabricated Bridge Deck Panels Prepared with Prestressed and Sustainable Ultra-High Performance Concrete
No full textEnhanced quality and reduced on-site construction time are the basic features of prefabricated bridge elements and systems. Prefabricated lightweight bridge decks have already started finding their place in accelerated bridge construction (ABC). Therefore, the development of deck panels using high strength and high performance concrete has become an active area of research. Further optimization in such deck systems is possible using prestressing or replacement of raw materials with sustainable and recyclable materials. This research involves experimental evaluation of six full-depth precast prestressed high strength fiber-reinforced concrete (HSFRC) and six partial-depth sustainable ultra-high performance concrete (sUHPC) composite bridge deck panels. The composite panels comprise UHPC prepared with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) with the replacement of 30% cement content overlaid by recycled aggregate concrete made with replacement of 30% of coarse aggregates with recycled aggregates. The experimental variables for six HSFRC panels were depth, level of prestressing, and shear reinforcement. The six sUHPC panels were prepared with different shear and flexural reinforcements and sUHPC-normal/recycled aggregate concrete interface. Experimental results exhibit the promise of both systems to serve as an alternative to conventional bridge deck systems
Diagnostic Accuracy of Mammography Versus Ultrasound in Prediction of Malignancy with Palpable Breast Lesion
Full text linkBackground: Breast malignancy is globally the most prevalent type of cancer. Early and appropriate screening is important for proper treatment. Ultrasonography (USG) is extensively useful as an adjunct to mammography in clinical practice. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accurateness of mammography versus ultrasound imaging in predicting breast malignancies in women with palpable lesions using histopathology as the gold standard.
Methods: The bilateral mammography was performed on 100 patients of age 35-80 years in the Radiology department, PNS Shifa hospital, Karachi. Bilateral whole-breast USG was also performed and findings were recorded. Then histopathology was done by taking samples (localized solid swelling fixed to breast tissue and skin feeling different from normal breast parenchyma, present more than 1 month) through TruCut 18 G needle and compared with mammography and ultrasound. The data was analyzed by SPSS and a screening test was applied to check the sensitivity and specificity.
Results: The mean age of the patients (n=100) was 58.91±13.46 years. The USG diagnosed malignant breast lesions in 46% and benign breast lesions in 54% of patients. Whereas, by mammography, malignancy was diagnosed in 47% and benign in 53% of patients. The USG tool showed 69.64% sensitivity, 84.09% specificity, 84.78% negative predictive value (NPV), 68.52% positive predictive value (PPV) and 76% diagnostic accuracy, respectively. However, mammography had 60.71% sensitivity, 70.45% specificity, 72.34% NPV, 58.49% PPV and 65% accuracy, while considering histopathology as the gold standard.
Conclusion: The ultrasonography (USG) was found more sensitive than mammography in the prediction of breast malignancy presenting with palpable breast lesions.
Keywords: Mammography; Ultrasonography; Accuracy; Histopathology; Breast Cancer
Incidental Detection of Thyroid Nodule on Carotid Color Doppler Ultrasound in Patients Presenting with Cerebrovascular Diseases
Full text linkBackground: Thyroid nodules are often detected in clinical practice, during physical examination, or accidentally during different imaging techniques. Most of these nodules are characterized as benign, and thyroid cancer is identified in only a small subclass. Ultrasonography is considered an important tool in thyroid nodule evaluation. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the frequency of incidental detection of a nodule of thyroid on carotid color Doppler ultrasound in patients presenting with cerebrovascular diseases.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the PNS Shifa hospital, Radiology department, from August 2017 to May 2018. Patients (n=110) underwent Color Doppler Ultrasound examinations with a scanner (Xario), furnished with a linear transducer operational at 10 MHz by the researcher. Incidental detection of thyroid nodule was labeled. Demographic detail including name, age, gender, and BMI was noted. Echogenicity and size of the thyroid gland was compared to that of encompassing glandular parenchyma. The data collected were analyzed and interpreted using SPSS version 20.
Results: The patient’s mean age was 59.92 ± 11.03 years with the ratio being 1.2:1 between males and females respectively. Diabetes and hypertension were existent in 43(39.1%) and 54(49.1%) patients respectively. Family history of thyroid nodules was present in 31(28.2%) patients. Thyroid nodule was detected in 34(30.91%) patients. The Benign pattern of thyroid nodules on grayscale. However, the histologic pattern of a mildly differentiated follicular thyroid carcinoma was detected.
Conclusion: The frequency of incidental detection of thyroid nodule on carotid color Doppler ultrasound was 30.91% in patients presenting with cerebrovascular diseases.
Keywords: Carotid Color Doppler Ultrasound; Incidental Detection; Cerebrovascular; Thyroid Nodule
Development and characterization of non-proprietary ultra high performance concrete
No full textThis paper presents the developmental process of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), the most advanced form of concrete. The entire process exclusively utilized locally available materials. The mixes were prepared without using any specialized mixer or treatments, such as elevated pressure, etc. The primary objective of the research was to develop low-cost non-proprietary version of UHPC by optimizing both cementitious and non-cementitious materials to attain the highest levels of workability, compressive strength, flexural strength and durability. The research utilizes a trial-and-error approach, subjecting specimens to curing in both regular and heated water. The findings validate the viability of producing self-compacting UHPC with compressive strength ranging from 120 to 160 MPa, employing local materials and manufacturing methods. Raw materials and mixing sequence had a significant influence on the fresh and hardened properties of UHPC. The inclusion of steel fibers and the application of heat treatment remarkably enhanced the compressive strength. Furthermore, cost analysis revealed that this particular UHPC is only slightly over four times more expensive than conventional concrete, in contrast to commercially available UHPC, which is approximately 10 times expensive than traditional concrete
جیلانی بانو کے افسانوں میں نسوانی کرداروں کا تنقیدی جائزہ
No full textJilani Bano was a famous writer Urdu language. She was born in14 July 1936.She start writing in 1956 her first story Aik nazar ider bhi. She was great feminist. She writes about women rights. She writes about Deccan civilization and culture. Jilani Bano is one of the best short story writers who expressed the feminist approach in her short stories. She pointed out the social exploitation which every women face every day from dawn to dusk. The literature is filled with examples, where women have complained of their subdued status, yet it is important to understand that in order to develop a healthy society. It is essential to encourage the growth of individuality amongst women.
Keyword: Jilani bano, short story, urdu literature
Proceedings of ASEAN - Pakistan Conference on Materials Science
No full textDr. Arnir Hussain
Important Factors for high Performance of Composites
Dr Bilal Khan, Dr. Zaffar Khan
Polymer Nanocomposites: Prospects, Potentials and Applications in Aerospace Structures
M Arshad Bashir, Noaman-ul-Haq, Shamshad Ahmed, M Bilal Khan
Synthesis and Mechanical Properties Evaluations of Ablative Materials
Priyo Sardjono, Bambang Prihandoko
Ceramic Graphite Composite as Anode of Lithium Battery
M. Anis-ur-Rehman, S. Nasir, A. Maqsood
Structural, Electrical and Magnetic Studies of Co-precipitated Ni-Co Nano-Ferrites
M Babar Saeed, M Fahim Hashmi
Control Of Thermoplastic Polyimide Properties Through Molecular Architecture
A. Haider, M Shoaib, M Asim, M Farooque
Comparative Investigation of Barium Titanate Ceramics Synthesized by Conventional
Powder and Sol-gel Techniques
Dr. Zaffar. M Khan
The On-Line Condition Monitoring System of Composite Structures Using Fiber Optic Sensors
Muhammad Faisal, Muhammad Shahid
Corrosion behavior of "ASTM A-106 Grade-A carbon steel in amine solutions
under sour conditions.
Mohammad Fuzail, Sabir Ghafoor Alvi, Shamshad Ahmed, Jamil Anwar
Study of the influence of DOP Mobilizer on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties
of the Irradiated Semi-Crystalline Ethylene-Propylene Copolymer
Syed Jawid Askari, Abid Hameed, Usama Umer, Ah Imran Merchant, Noman Danish
The Role of Nucleation Density and Methane Fraction in the Growth of Diamonds
Coatings and Titanium: A Review
Muhammad Mazhar Iqbal, Sajid Raza Ch
Design Optimization and Material Selection for Liquid Propellant Tanks
K Maaz, A. Mashiatullah, R M Qureshi, S. Karim, G. Ali, T. Javed
Morphological studies of NixCol-xFe2O4 ( 1) Magnetic Nanoparticles
M H. Saleh, E.A. Othman, F. Ismail, M Mohammad
Characterization of Nanocrystalline Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) Magnetic Materials.
Nguyen Nang Dinft, Le Ha Chi, Tran Thi Chung Thuy, Hyung-Kook Kim
Characterization of multilayer organic light diodes using nanostructured composite thin films
Amir Habib, Nils stelzer, Roland haubner
Solvothermal synthesis of tetragonal BaTiO3
R.J. Talib, A.H Hashim, M A. Hamid, M R.M Toff , J. J. Mohamed
Mechanical and tribological properties of plasma carbonitrided stainless steel aisi 316
M. Bilal Khan, Saleem Hussain
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Kevlar-Epoxy Composite by Improving
the Interface Coupling
Sultan Mahmood, M Bilal Khan, Toqeer Kausar, Faiz -ur- Rehman
Hot Drawing & Characterization of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
(UHMWPE) Fibers to Produce High Impact Resistant & Light Weight Armor Composites
Zainul Huda
Recent Developments In Thermal Barrier Coatings (Tbc) On Turbine Blades
And Their Inspection Techniques
Syed J. Ali, Chaudhary J. Omer, Nasir M Ahmad, Christopher J. Barrett, Muhammad I. Sarwar
Novel Functionalized Polymers Containing Photoresponsive Azobenzene
Chromophore: Synthesis and Characterization
A.Quddos, S.M.Hussain, A.Wadood, A.Hayat
Syntheses, Charcterization And Incorporation Of Nanoparticles Into The Polymer Matrix
A.S. Khan, F.S.L.Wong, LU.Rehrnan
Synthesis and in-vitro analysis of a novel bioactive nano-composite
Noaman Ul-Haq, Joong Kon Park, M Bilal Khan, Khairuddin Sanaullah
Chiral Resolution of Phenylalanine using Ultrafiltration Technique by Molecularly
Imprinted Membrane
M. Bilal Khan
Intelligent Viscoelastic Polyurethane Intrinsic Nano Composites
Shamshad Ahmed, M Junaid Afzal, Mazhar Mehmood
Role of Compatibilizers in Improvement of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of EPDM and Polypropylene Blends
Christian Lammel
Induction aided manufacturing of nano-filled polymers and CRF
- …
