INFLUENCE OF NON-PROCESS ELEMENTS ON REED PULP'S CHARACTERS DURING OXYGEN DELIGNIFICATION

A series of Reed Pulps were prepared in which the level of Non-Process Elements(NPEs), including calcium, manganese,copper,iron were seclectively enriched and depleted, these pulps were then oxygen delignification,and the pulps were characterized according to kappa number,viscosity,brightness. The results indicated that the enrichment of NPEs have an important effulence on delignification,pulp viscosity and brightness, iron is the most harmful during oxygen delignification but manganese is just like a kind of aid and can enhance brightness and delignification.

Non-Feudal Elements of Medieval England Feudal Society

Medieval European feudal society laid the foundation for the development of modern western society and it is also a historic organic body full of complexity and contradiction. Overall research shows that feudalism didn't have monopoly on medieval England society; the non-feudal elements coexisted with the feudal elements in one united body and occupied an important place in the social structure.

Health Risk Assessment on Selected Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Food Crops Grown in Kibera Slum, Nairobi-Kenya

Peri-urban agriculture of food crops is practiced in many slum areas in developing countries. This often uses waste water whose levels of essential and non-essential elements are largely unknown but would be feared to contaminate soils, consequently exposing man to associated health risks. Inhabitants in Kibera slum, Nairobi City practice these growing kales, amaranthus, arrowroots, and spinach. Health risk assessment was done using daily intake of metals (DIM), target hazard quotient (THQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed for elemental analysis. The levels of essential elements ranged as follows;Mn 91.04 - 374.44, Mg 261.28 - 532.96, Fe 350.74 - 1273.68, and Zn 1.18 - 6.3 μg/g per dry weight were found to be below the recommended limits by FAO/WHO. Non-essential elements ranged as follows;Cr 1.15 - 4.32 and Pb 0.14 - 0.91 μg/g above the EU recommendation. DIM of Fe 5.81 - 27.61 and Mn 1.97 - 8.12 μg/g is above the recommended daily intake amounts. THQ values for Mn and Fe were more than unit. THQ values for non-essential elements were generally below unit. ILCR showed that from lead alone 73 people (0.043% of 0.17M residents) are likely to develop cancer. There are foreseen health risks associated with consumption of food crops grown in Kibera slum that requires immediate address.

REFINED HYBRID MINDLIN PLATE ELEMENT FOR GEOMETRICALLY NON LINEAR ANALYSIS

Based upon a generalized variational principle, which relaxed the inter element continuity requirements, a novel refined hybrid Mindlin plate element is developed, its non linear element stiffness matrices are decomposed into a series of matrices with respect to the assumed strain modes. The formulation presented in this paper is different from any other non linear mixed/hybrid element formulation all successful experience of linear hybrid formulation is absorbed into the formulation(adding non conforming modes and realizing orthogonalization) Numerical results show that the present approach is more effective than any other non linear hybrid element formulation over the accuracy and computational efficiency. In addition, non conforming modes can also overcome the shear locking effect.

ANALYSIS OF NONLINEAR PIEZOELECTRIC CIRCULAR SHALLOW SPHERICAL SHELLS BY DIFFERENTIAL QUADRATURE ELEMENT METHOD

The static behavior of piezoelectric circular spherical shallow shells under both electrical and mechanical loads is studied by using the differential quadrature element method (DQEM). Geometrical nonlinearity effect is considered. Detailed formulations and procedures are given for the first time. Several examples are analyzed and accurate results are obtained by the DQEM. Based on the results in this paper, one may conclude that the DQEM is a useful tool for obtaining solutions of structural elements. It can be seen that the shell shape may be theore tically controlled and snap through may occur when the applied voltage reaches a critical value even without mechanical load for certain geometric configurations.

Simultaneous Determination of Trace Rare Earth Elements and Other Elements in High Purity Terbium Oxide (Tb_4O_7) by ICP-AES After HPLC Separation Using P507 Resin

This article describes a new method for the simultaneous determination of trace rare earth elements (REEs) and non rare earth elements (NREEs) in high purity terbium oxide by ICP-AES after HPLC separation using P507 resin. The chromatographic separation of the analytes from the matrix using dilute nitric acid as mobile phase was studied. The experimental results showed that a favorable separation of trace metals (Cu and Gd) from the matrix (Tb) can easily be achieved by elution with dilute nitric acid within 25 min. The proposed method was applied to the determination of trace metals (Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Si, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd) in high purity terbium oxide. The detection limits (DLs) for the analytes ranged from 0.4-4.0 μg\5g -1, and the recoveries are from 78%-105%.

Feature Extraction and Recognition for Rolling Element Bearing Fault Utilizing Short-Time Fourier Transform and Non-negative Matrix Factorization

Due to the non-stationary characteristics of vibration signals acquired from rolling element bearing fault, thc time-frequency analysis is often applied to describe the local information of these unstable signals smartly. However, it is difficult to classitythe high dimensional feature matrix directly because of too large dimensions for many classifiers. This paper combines the concepts of time-frequency distribution（TFD） with non-negative matrix factorization（NMF）, and proposes a novel TFD matrix factorization method to enhance representation and identification of bearing fault. Throughout this method, the TFD of a vibration signal is firstly accomplished to describe the localized faults with short-time Fourier transform（STFT）. Then, the supervised NMF mapping is adopted to extract the fault features from TFD. Meanwhile, the fault samples can be clustered and recognized automatically by using the clustering property of NMF. The proposed method takes advantages of the NMF in the parts-based representation and the adaptive clustering. The localized fault features of interest can be extracted as well. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the 9 kinds of the bearing fault on a test bench is performed. The proposed method can effectively identify the fault severity and different fault types. Moreover, in comparison with the artificial neural network（ANN）, NMF yields 99.3% mean accuracy which is much superior to ANN. This research presents a simple and practical resolution for the fault diagnosis problem of rolling element bearing in high dimensional feature space.

Finite element analyses of slope stability problems using non-associated plasticity

In recent years, finite element analyses have increasingly been utilized for slope stability problems. In comparison to limit equilibrium methods, numerical analyses do not require any definition of the failure mechanism a priori and enable the determination of the safety level more accurately. The paper compares the performances of strength reduction finite element analysis(SRFEA) with finite element limit analysis(FELA), whereby the focus is related to non-associated plasticity. Displacement-based finite element analyses using a strength reduction technique suffer from numerical instabilities when using non-associated plasticity, especially when dealing with high friction angles but moderate dilatancy angles. The FELA on the other hand provides rigorous upper and lower bounds of the factor of safety(FoS) but is restricted to associated flow rules. Suggestions to overcome this problem, proposed by Davis(1968), lead to conservative FoSs; therefore, an enhanced procedure has been investigated. When using the modified approach, both the SRFEA and the FELA provide very similar results. Further studies highlight the advantages of using an adaptive mesh refinement to determine FoSs. Additionally, it is shown that the initial stress field does not affect the FoS when using a Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion.

A non-linear finite element model of human L4-L5 lumbar spinal segment with three-dimensional solid element ligaments

This paper establishes a non-linear finite element model (NFEM) of L4-L5 lumbar spinal segment with accurate three-dimensional solid ligaments and intervertebral disc. For the purpose, the intervertebral disc and surrounding ligaments are modeled with four-nodal three-dimensional tetrahedral elements with hyper-elastic material properties. Pure moment of 10 N·m without preload is applied to the upper vertebral body under the loading conditions of lateral bending, backward extension, torsion, and forward flexion, respectively. The simulate relationship curves between generalized forces and generalized displacement of the NFEM are compared with the in vitro experimental result curves to verify NFEM. The verified results show that: (1) The range of simulated motion is a good agreement with the in vitro experimental data; (2) The NFEM can more effectively reffect the actual mechanical properties than the FE model using cable and spring elements ligaments; (3) The NFEM can be used as the basis for further research on lumbar degenerative diseases.

Finite Element Simulation on the Spin-forming of the 3D Non-axisymmetric Thin-Walled Tubes

The roller movement trace for the 3D non-axisymmetric thin-walled tubes is a complex space curve. Besides the roller rotation caused by contact with the blank, the roller rotates around the workpiece together with the main spindle, and also moves simultaneously along the direction of the revolution radius. The method to correctly establish the finite element （FE） models of the metal spinning is based on the MSC. MARC software was introduced. The calculation formulas considering both the revolution and rotation of the roller were obtained by the mathematical deduction. The saving calculation points m should be a multiple of 4 for one revolution of the roller around the workpiece to obtain the maximum forming force for the spinning of the 3D non-axisymmetric thin-walled tubes. The simulation results conform well to the experimental ones for several spinning methods; the maximum error is less than ±15%.

Nonlinear finite element analysis of three implant-abutment interface designs

The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical characteristics of implant-abutment interface design in a dental implant system, using nonlinear finite element analysis （FEA） method. This finite element simulation study was applied on three commonly used commercial dental implant systems： model I, the reduced-diameter 3i implant system （West Palm Beach, FL, USA） with a hex and a 12-point double internal hexagonal connection; model II, the Semados implant system （Bego, Bremen, Germany） with combination of a conical （45° taper） and internal hexagonal connection; and model III, the Br,~nemark implant system （Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden） with external hexagonal connection. In simulation, a force of 170 N with 45°oblique to the longitudinal axis of the implant was loaded to the top surface of the abutment. It has been found from the strength and stiffness analysis that the 3i implant system has the lowest maximum yon Mises stress, prirlcipal stress and displacement, while the Br^nemark implant system has the highest. It was concluded from our preliminary study using nonlinear FEA that the reduced-diameter 3i implant system with a hex and a 12-point double internal hexagonal connection had a better stress distribution, and produced a smaller displacement than the other two implant systems.

Element nodal computation-based radial integration BEM for non-homogeneous problems

This paper presents a new strategy of using the radial integration boundary element method （RIBEM） to solve non-homogeneous heat conduction and thermoelasticity problems. In the method, the evaluation of the radial in-tegral which is used to transform domain integrals to equivalent boundary integrals is carried out on the basis of elemental nodes. As a result, the computational time spent in evaluating domain integrals can be saved considerably in comparison with the conventional RIBEM. Three numerical examples are given to demonstrate the correctness and computational efficiency of the proposed approach.

COMPACTLY SUPPORTED NON-TENSOR PRODUCT FORM TWO-DIMENSION WAVELET FINITE ELEMENT

Some theorems of compactly supported non-tensor product form two-dimension Daubechies wavelet were analysed carefully. Compactly supported non-tensor product form two-dimension wavelet was constructed, then non-tensor product form two dimension wavelet finite element was used to solve the deflection problem of elastic thin plate. The error order was researched. A numerical example was given at last.

THE GENERATION OF NON－LINEAR STIFFNESS MATRIX OF TRIANGLE ELEMENT WHENCONSIDERING BOTH THE BENDING AND IN－PLANEME MBRANE FORCES

Using Stricklin Melhod￣[5],we have this paper has derived the formulas for the ge-neration of non-linear element stiffness matrix of a triangle element when considering both the bending and the in-plane membrane forces. A computer programme for the calculation of large deflection and inner forces of shallow shells is designed on theseformulas. The central deflection curve computed by this programme is compared with other pertaining results.

Non-Split PML Boundary Condition for Finite Element Time-Domain Modeling of Ground Penetrating Radar

As a highly efficient absorbing boundary condition, Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) has been widely used in Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulation of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) based on the first order electromagnetic wave equation. However, the PML boundary condition is difficult to apply in GPR Finite Element Time Domain (FETD) simulation based on the second order electromagnetic wave equation. This paper developed a non-split perfectly matched layer (NPML) boundary condition for GPR FETD simulation based on the second order electromagnetic wave equation. Taking two-dimensional TM wave equation as an example, the second order frequency domain equation of GPR was derived according to the definition of complex extending coordinate transformation. Then it transformed into time domain by means of auxiliary differential equation method, and its FETD equation is derived based on Galerkin method. On this basis, a GPR FETD forward program based on NPML boundary condition is developed. The merits of NPML boundary condition are certified by compared with wave field snapshots, signal and reflection errors of homogeneous medium model with split and non-split PML boundary conditions. The comparison demonstrated that the NPML algorithm can reduce memory occupation and improve calculation efficiency. Furthermore, numerical simulation of a complex model verifies the good absorption effects of the NPML boundary condition in complex structures.

Defects in Concrete Elements: A Study of Residential Buildings of 30 Years and above in Onitsha Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

Building defect is an issue in existing buildings that needs urgent tackling to prevent further problems. This study assessed the defects in concrete elements in residential buildings of 30 years and above in the Onitsha metropolis of Anambra State, Nigeria. Data collection instruments in the study include structured questionnaire, interviews, visual inspection/observations, archival records, recordings, photographs;and non-destructive testing of the concrete elements in an existing building in the study area. The population of this study constituted of the construction registered professionals and the existing buildings in study area. The sample for the study was based on the calculated sample size using Taro Yamani Formula. A total of 158 registered professionals were sampled from the population of 260. The questionnaires were purposively distributed to the registered professionals up to the required sample sizes of 158 and 129 questionnaires were properly filled and returned. The study used the SPSS and Microsoft Excel to analyze the data. The results were analyzed in percentages and figures using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of pie charts and tables. The finding of the study revealed that the causes and effects of structural defects on the concrete elements in existing buildings in the study area according to the rating are;exposed/corrosion of the embedded metals, faulty workmanship, overload and impacts, chemical attack, freeze-thaw deterioration, fire/heat, restraint to volume change. The visual observation revealed that the structural elements are characterized by heavy defects such as deep vertical, horizontal and diagonal cracks, exposed/ corrosion of the embedded metals, spalling of the concrete slabs. The existence of defects in the concrete members led to the low compressive strength of the concrete elements and the structural instability of the existing buildings as revealed by the non-destructive test. The non-destructive test result revealed that most of the tested concrete elements have low compressive strength value and such were remarked poor as they did not satisfy the assumed value. Essentially, the study concluded by recommending that regular monitoring, inspections and non-destructive testing of concrete elements should be conducted on existing aged and defected buildings to detect the structural stability of the buildings;and it is imperative to evacuate occupants from heavy structurally deteriorated and defected buildings since most of them have lost their residual design life span and ability to sustain imposed loads.

A New Non-uniform Beam Element and Its Application to Buckling Analysis for Framed Structures

The non-uniform beam components are commonly used in engineering,while the method to analyze such component is not too satisfactory yet. A new non-uniform beam element with high precision was developed based on the non-linear analysis and the static condensation. Based on the interpolation theory, the displacement fields of the three-node non-uniform Euler-Bernoulli beam element were constructed at first: the quintic Hermite interpolation polynomial was used for the lateral displacement field and the quadratic Lagrange interpolation polynomial for the axial displacement field. Then,based on the basic assumptions of non-uniform Euler-Bernoulli beam whose section properties were continuously varying along its centroidal axis, the linear and geometric stiffness matrices of the three-node non-uniform beam element were derived according to the nonlinear finite element theory. Finally,the degrees of freedom ( DOFs) of the middle node of the element were eliminated using the static condensation method, and a new two-node non-uniform beam element including axial-force effect was obtained. The results indicate that each bar needs to be meshed with only one element could get a fairly accurate solution when it is applied to the stability analyses.

Review: Recent Developments in the Non-Probabilistic Finite Element Analysis

Generally, the finite element analysis of a structure is completed under deterministic inputs.However,uncertainties corresponding to geometrical dimensions,material properties, boundary conditions cannot be neglected in engineering applications. The probabilistic methods are the most popular techniques to handle these uncertain parameters but subjective results could be obtained if insufficient information is unavailable. Non-probabilistic methods can be alternatively employed,which has led to the procedures for nonprobabilistic finite element analysis. Each non-probabilistic finite element analysis method consists of two individual parts,including the core algorithm and pre-processing procedure. In this context,three types of algorithms and two typical pre-processing procedures as well as their effectiveness are described in detail,based on which novel hybrid algorithms can be conceived for the specific problems and the future work in this research field can be fostered.

Uniform Convergence for Finite Volume Element Method for Non-selfadjoint and Indefinite Elliptic Problems

In this paper, we prove the existence, uniqueness and uniform convergence of the solution of finite volume element method based on the P1 conforming element for non-selfadjoint and indefinite elliptic problems under minimal elliptic regularity assumption.

Selected Trace Elements in Domestic Water Boreholes and Their Implications on Human Health, in Huruma Estate, Eldoret Municipality, Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

Trace elements constitute less than 1% of the rocks in the crust (Stumm and Morgan, 1991). In the human body, they constitute less than 100 mg/kg (0.01%). These elements are released to the environment naturally by weathering and volcanic activities (Flint and skinner, 1997). It has been observed that trace elements are greatly absorbed and retained in the body when in liquid diet. This phenomenon also influences the risk to human health, especially of infants and children whose immature digestive system further promote absorption of toxic heavy metals. The study was based on the analysis of domestic borehole water supplies in Huruma estate of Eldoret Municipality for selected trace elements and their implications on human health. The boreholes were systematically selected for sampling points and trace elements, Cr, Cu and Se analyzed using AAS. Statistical analysis for mean, standard deviation and confidence interval limits was done using SPSS. The statistical t-test was used to test for significance differences at (p = 0.05). The graphs were drawn using the Microsoft Excel package. The resulting data obtained from analysis were compared with WHO data for drinking water. In the study, the mean values of the following parameters were as follows: Chromium 17.9 μg/L, Copper 563 μg/L and Selenium 22.7 μg/L. There was a significant difference at 5% level of significance (p = 0.000) in all the parameter values among the sampling points in Huruma estate. The above mean values were far below the WHO recommended limits for drinking water. It was concluded that the borehole water from Huruma was fit for drinking and therefore could not cause cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, borehole water should be used if other water sources (tap water etc.) were not available. All the industries near Huruma estate should carefully analyze and regularly monitor their liquid waste effluents to ensure that no harmful discharges get into the soil.