Dimension-down iterative algorithm for the mixed transportation network design problem

An optimal dimension-down iterative algorithm （DDIA） is proposed for solving a mixed （continuous/ discrete） transportation network design problem （MNDP）, which is generally expressed as a mathematical programming with equilibrium constraints （MPEC）. The upper level of the MNDP aims to optimize the network performance via both the expansion of existing links and the addition of new candidate links, whereas the lower level is a traditional Wardrop user equilibrium （UE） model. The idea of the proposed DDIA is to reduce the dimensions of the problem. A group of variables （discrete/continuous） are fixed to altemately optimize another group of variables （continuous/discrete）. Some continuous network design problems （CNDPs） and discrete network design problems （DNDPs） are solved repeatedly until the optimal solution is obtained. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

Swarm intelligence for mixed-variable design optimization

Many engineering optimization problems frequently encounter continuous variables and discrete variables which adds considerably to the solution complexity. Very few of the existing methods can yield a globally optimal solution when the objective functions are non-convex and non-differentiable. This paper presents a hybrid swarm intelligence ap-proach (HSIA) for solving these nonlinear optimization problems which contain integer, discrete, zero-one and continuous variables. HSIA provides an improvement in global search reliability in a mixed-variable space and converges steadily to a good solution. An approach to handle various kinds of variables and constraints is discussed. Comparison testing of several examples of mixed-variable optimization problems in the literature showed that the proposed approach is superior to current methods for finding the best solution, in terms of both solution quality and algorithm robustness.

Application of the Modified nverse Design Method in the Optimization of the Runner Blade of a Mixed-Flow Pump

To improve the design speed and reduce the design cost for the previous blade design method, a modified inverse design method is presented. In the new method, after a series of physical and mathematical simplifications, a sail?like constrained area is proposed, which can be used to configure di erent runner blade shapes. Then, the new method is applied to redesign and optimize the runner blade of the scale core component of the 1400?MW canned nuclear coolant pump in an established multi?optimization system compromising the Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) analysis, the Response Surface Methodology(RSM) and the Non?dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm?II(NSGA?II). After the execution of the optimization procedure, three optimal samples were ultimately obtained. Then, through comparative analysis using the target runner blade, it was found that the maximum e ciency improvement reached 1.6%, while the head improvement was about 10%. Overall, a promising runner blade inverse design method which will benefit the hydraulic design of the mixed?flow pump has been proposed.

Multicomponent mixed metallic hierarchical ZnNi@Ni@PEDOT arrayed structures as advanced electrode for high-performance hybrid electrochemical cells

Engineering multicomponent nanomaterials as an electrode with rationalized ordered structures is a promising strategy for fulfilling the high-energy storage needs of supercapacitors(SCs).Even now,the fundamental barrier to utilizing hydroxides/hydroxyl carbonates is their poor electrochemical performance,resulting from the significantly poor electrical conductivity and sluggish charge storage kinetics.Hence,a multilayered structural approach is primarily and successfully used to construct electrodes as one of the efficient approaches.This method has made it possible to develop well-ordered nanostructured electrodes with good performance by taking advantage of tunable approach parameters.Herein,we report the design of multilayered heterostructure porous zinc-nickel nanosheets@nickel flakes hydroxyl carbonates and/or hydroxides integrated with conductive PEDOT fibrous network(i.e.,ZnNi@Ni@PEDOT) via facile synthesis methods.The combined hybrid electrode acquires the features of high electrical conductivity from one part and various valance states from another one to develop a well-organized nanosheet/flake/fibrous-like heterostructure with decent mechanical strength,creating robust synergistic results.Thus,the designed binder-free ZnNi@Ni@PEDOT electrode delivers a high areal capacity value of 1050.1 μA h cm^(-2) at 3 mA cm^(-2) with good cycling durability,significantly outperforming other individual electrodes.Moreover,its feasibility is also tested by constructing a hybrid electrochemical cell(HEC).The assembled HEC exhibits a high areal capacity value of 783.8 μA h cm^(-2) at5 mA cm^(-2).and even at a high current density of 100 mA cm^(-2)(484.6 μA h cm^(-2)),the device still retains a rate capability of 61,82%,Also,the HEC shows maximum energy and power densities of0.595 mW h cm^(-2) and 77.23 mW cm^(-2),respectively,along with good cycling stability.The obtained energy storage capabilities effectively power various electronic components.These results provide a viable and practical way to construct a positive electrode with innovative heterostructures for highperformance energy storage devices and profoundly influence the development of electrochemical SCs.

Mixed Method in Language Learner Cognition

Research on mixed method has made great development.In order to explore the practical application of mixed method,this article starts from the perspective of language learner cognition and selects The Modern Language Journal and Language Teaching Research as the research journals.It explores some empirical papers that used mixed method to learn the specific research designs of mixed method as well as the main means of its application.The study finds that mixed method has been applied in several fields and is more scientifically reliable than qualitative and quantitative methods especially in language learner cognition,and the different research tools used in the field of language learner cognition demonstrate the flexibility and relevance of mixed method data collection.

Simplex - Centroid Mixture Design Applied to theAqueous Enzymatic Extraction of Fatty Acid - BalancedOil from Mixed Seeds

A one-step method was developed to extract oil from a mixture of soybeans,peanuts,linseeds,and tea seeds using an aqueous enzymatic method.The proportion of the four seeds was targeted in accordance with a fatty acid ratio of 0.27(SFA,saturated fatty acid(s))∶1(MUFA,monounsaturated fatty acid(s))∶1(PUFA,polyunsaturated fatty acid(s)),and the oil extraction yield was maximized by applying the simplex-centroid mixture design method.Three models were developed for describing the relationship between the proportion of the individual seeds in the mixture,the fatty acid ratio in the extracted oil,and the oil extraction yield,respectively.The developed models were then analyzed using an ANOVA and were found to fit the data quite well,with R2 values of 0.98,0.93,and 0.93,respectively.The three models were validated experimentally.The results indicated that the ratio of fatty acids in the oil ranged between 0.98 and 1.12(MUFA∶PUFA)and between 0.26 and 0.28(SFA∶MUFA),which were quite close to the target values of 1 and 0.27,respectively.The oil extraction yield of 62.13%was slightly higher than the predicted value(60.32%).

Multifunctional Product Design Concept in Mixed-Media Textile Lampshades

Ghanaian society and the world at large have shown a strong interest in the use of lampshades with evidence from hotels and residential dwellings. Table-top Lampshades direct the rays of light to make sight easier for reading whereas bedside lampshades provide romantic illumination and beautification in bedrooms. This art studio research sought to examine lampshades on Ghanaian market;their qualities, significance, shortcomings, etc. as the basis to design and produce inventive lampshades for private and public use. The study was conducted at an art studio condition using Practice-based research design method. Findings show that lampshades serve functional and aesthetic significance in public dwellings and the hospitality industry. Nonetheless, available lampshades on the Ghanaian market lack the multifunctional property as well as a local touch which arguably makes them misfit in Ghanaian context in terms of usage. The innovative results of the studio-produced lampshades revealed the possibility of creating symbolic and multifunctional lampshades which suit specific space and tradition. The study recommends the adoption of such innovative design approach in the creation of interior design and decoration artefacts for residential and public edifices.

Kinetics of phenol and m-cresol biodegradation by an indigenous mixed microbial culture isolated from a sewage treatment plant

An acclimatized mixed microbial culture,predominantly Pseudomonas sp.,was enriched from a sewage treatment plant,and its potential to simultaneously degrade mixtures of phenol and m-cresol was investigated during its growth in batch shake flasks.A 22 full factorial design with the two substrates at two different levels and different initial concentration ranges(low and high),was employed to carry out the biodegradation experiments.The substrates phenol and m-cresol were completely utilized within 21 h when ...

Application of Uniform Experimental Design in Optimizing Excitation Parameters for Magnetic Frequency Mixing Measurements

Excitation parameter preferences are key factors a ecting the performance of magnetic frequency mixing detection.A uniform experimental design method was used to analyze this influence.Using fuzzy theory,a comprehensive model is established for evaluating the e ect of magnetic frequency mixing.A polynomial is selected as the regression function to express explicitly the correlation between the excitation parameters and the frequency-mixing e ect.The excitation parameters were then optimized using genetic algorithm.Magnetic frequency mixing experiments were conducted to measure the surface hardness of some ferromagnetic materials.Frequency mixing is further enhanced under the optimal settings,resulting in an improvement in the measurement sensitivity.The results of this study support the application of the magnetic frequency mixing technique in non-destructive testing.

A Simple Mix Proportion Design Method Based on Frost Durability for Recycled High Performance Concrete Using Fully Coarse Recycled Aggregate

Durability design of recycled high performance concrete（RHPC） is fundamental for improving the use rate and level of concrete waste as coarse recycled aggregate（CRA）. We discussed a frostdurability-based mix proportion design method for RHPC using 100 % CRA and natural sand. Five groups of RHPC mixes with five strength grades（40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 MPa） were produced using CRA with four quality classes, and their workability, 28 d compressive strengths and frost resistances（measured by the compressive strength loss ratio and the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity） were tested. Relationships between the 28 d compressive strength, the frost resistance and the CRA quality characteristic parameter, water absorption, were then developed. The criterion of a CRA maximum water absorption limit value for RHPC was suggested, independent of its source and quality class. The results show that all RHPC mixes achieve the expected target workability, strength, and frost durability. The research results demonstrate that the application of the proposed method does not require trial testing prior to use.

Bioleaching of a kind of alkaline mixed copper oxide and sulphide mineral

We conducted two-stage acidification-bioleaching experiments to probe the feasibility of bioleaching for a kind of mixed alkaline copper oxide and sulphide mineral. We used the uniform design method for data analysis and experimental optimization, with initial pH value, pulp density, inoculation of bacteria and ferrous iron concentration selected as the influential factors. Polynomial regression shows that the four factors sequentially influence the copper recovery by 14.430%, 8.555%, 1.982% and 3.895%. Acid equilibrium in the bioleaching system is mainly influenced by alkaline gangue content, chemical reactions and bacterial activity. A maximal portion of refractory copper extracted reaches 71.08%. The dynamic analysis of copper recovery indicates that bioleaching goes through a lag leaching phase, prime leaching phase and leaching stationary phase corresponding to the growth phases of bacteria. Compared with the predicted value of 80.87%, the confirmatory experiment observes a 78.21% copper recovery under the optimal conditions of pH of 1.5, pulp density of 5%, bacteria inoculation of 30% and initial ferrous iron concentration of 9 g L-1. Results suggest that bioleaching is technically feasible to improving total copper recovery.

Bearing Behaviors of Stiffened Deep Cement Mixed Pile

A series of investigations were conducted to study the bearing capacity and load transfer mechanism of stiffened deep cement mixed （SDCM） pile. Laboratory tests including six specimens were conducted to investigate the frictional resistance between the concrete core and the cementsoil. Two model piles and twenty-four full-scale piles were tested to examine the bearing behavior of single pile. Laboratory and model tests results indicate that the cohesive strength is large enough to ensure the interaction between core pile and the outer cement-soil. The full-scale test results show that the SDCM piles exhibit similar bearing behavior to bored and cast-in-place concrete piles. In general, with the rational composite structure the SDCM piles can transmit the applied load effectively, and due to the addition of the stiffer core, the SDCM piles possess high bearing capacity. Based on the findings of these experimental investigations and theoretical analysi , a practical design method is developed to predict the vertical bearing capacity of SDCM pile.

Testing a mobile app for child abuse treatment: A mixed methods study

Objective:This study provides a preliminary evaluation of the usability and acceptability of a mobile application(sexual assault care algorithm,SACA).Methods:An explanatory sequential mixed methods research was used.A quantitative survey was followed up by a qualitative study.A convenience sample of participants(n=4)was recruited.The research was conducted on a one-on-one basis.In the quantitative phase,a random assignment technique was used to divide four participants into two groups of two participants each.Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire(PSSUQ)and Acceptability e-Scale were used to collect quantitative data.In the qualitative phase,interview,observation,and documentation were used to collect qualitative data.Data were analyzed both quantitative and qualitatively.The qualitative data were linked with the initial quantitative data to determine how the follow-up qualitative data helped explain the initial quantitative results.Results:The quantitative results suggested that SACA has high usability(5.05±1.83)and acceptability(3.81±1.22).The qualitative results further indicate that the participants thought SACA was easy to use and useful,and most of them would recommend it to others.Areas of improvement include adding features that would calculate and validate the elapsed time since the sexual assault,adding explanations to some buttons,and providing training.Conclusions:Our findings highlight the value of using a mixed methods research design to conduct a usability and acceptability test.Nurses are more likely to adopt a new technology for their evidencebased practice when the technology is easy to use and useful and requires less time to find the right piece of guideline evidence.Individualized training needs to be designed based on users'characteristics.

Mix design and expansion behavior of sulpho-aluminate expansive cementitious composite

Sulpho-aluminate expansive cementitious composite is proved to be one of the most effective ways to prevent concrete cracking too soon. Mix design of sulpho-aluminate expansive cementitious composite completely depends on experience and experiments at present. This method ignores the influence of expansion behavior which hinders the application of sulpho-aluminate expansive cementitious composite. The workability,free expansion property,flexural strength and compressive strength of sulpho-aluminate expansive cementitious composite have been investigated by tests. The relationship between expansion ratio and mix design parameters such as curing age,water-cement ratio and cement abundance coefficient is deduced according to the experimental statistics. A new simplified approach to mix design of sulpho-aluminate expansive cementitious composite is proposed as a reference for construction application,which avoids experiments and experience.

Concrete Mix Design by IS,ACI and BS Methods:A Comparative Analysis

Concrete is one of the most consumable construction materials on the earth.The concrete constitutes cement,sand,gravel,water and/or additives in definite proportions.The proportions of raw materials of concrete are decided by the concrete mix design.The mix design depends on the various factors.For mix design,most of the countries have their own specifications.In the present study,standard guidelines of India,Britain and America for the concrete mix design have been discussed.The concrete grades of M25,M35 and M45 were designed and compared.Indian Standards were also compared.It was concluded that a new revised version of Indian Standard code has the lowest value of water/cement ratio and highest quantity of cement as compared to other standards.

What are Different Research Approaches?Comprehensive Review of Qualitative,Quantitative,and Mixed Method Research,Their Applications,Types,and Limitations

There are different ways to examine and explain a study and its findings based on using numbers as a measure,a descriptive style,or a mixture of both.These three research approaches are quantitative,qualitative,and mixed methods that are commonly used by researchers in various research studies.However,with many options regarding the research design,it seems challenging for researchers to select the most appropriate approach based on the study and realize differences.This study provides a comprehensive review of qualitative,quantitative,and mixed-method research methods.Each method is clearly defined and specifically discussed based on applications,types,advantages,and limitations to help researchers identify select the most relevant type based on each study and navigate accordingly.

IUID Method-Mix: Towards a Systematic Approach for Intercultural User Interface Design (IUID)

A method-mix for intercultural user interface design (IUID) is explained and exemplified by application examples based on a hybrid approach covering cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design using a model of culturally influenced HCI. Cultural influence on HCI is described using cultural variables for user interface design. Assumptions and empirical results regarding the influence of culture on HCI, considering the path of the information processing and the interaction style between Chinese and German users are explained based on cultural models. Subsequent indicators represent the relationship between culture and HCI (culturally imprinted by the user). Correlations adopted theoretically between cultural dimensions and variables for HCI design were investigated. These correlations represent relevant constituents of a model for culturally influenced HCI. Considerations applying this model and evidence for the proper application of the IUID method-mix are presented elucidating why and how cultural aspects play a role in HCI design and usability/UX engineering. The IUID method-mix serves to inspire HCI engineers in the requirement analysis phase as well as HCI designers in the design phase. The readers are thereby sensitized to the challenges of intercultural usability/UX engineering and intercultural HCI design and will be equipped with methodological knowledge relevant to the derivation of design recommendations for user interface design for and in their desired cultural contexts. Finally, implications for practitioners are shown, including HCI style scores and practical design recommendations, to prognosticate the effort and the expenditures for considering the cultural context in IUID.

基于自主学习理论的线上线下混合式教学设计的思考——以“土地经济学”教学为例

为了适应自主学习的需要,以“土地经济学”的实践教学为例,运用齐默曼的自主学习理论,分析自主学习的构成要素及其与混合式教学的关系,并结合学生自主学习的自我设计的三个阶段,即计划阶段、控制阶段和自我反思阶段,探索线上线下混合式教学内容和方法的设计,重新设计适应自主学习要求的教学考核标准和学生成绩考核标准,并由此提出高校教师能力与素质提升的新方向。改变学生的被动学习为内在驱动的自主学习,既具有理论价值,又具有实践意义。

基于“雨课堂”的植物生理学混合式教学设计与探索

随着多媒体工具和网络覆盖普及,基于互联网的在线教育愈加便捷,但其优势并未在高校的课程教学中得到体现和充分应用。该文针对植物生理学的学科特点和教学现状,充分利用线上教学资源,针对性地选择教学内容和方法,以学生为主体、教师为主导,基于“雨课堂”等教学平台进行线上线下混合式教学模式初探,以期利用有限的学时和丰富的线上教学资源,整合线上和线下教学的优势,通过有效的管理方式组织实施,为深化信息化教学改革、提高植物生理学的教学效果奠定基础。