Logical computation of evidential reasoning in a hierarchical structure

Safety Assessment of Inshore Towing Operations for Heavy Cargo

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.209-211.841 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 209-211 ◽

pp. 841-845

Author(s):

Chen Su ◽

Xin Lian Xie ◽

Meng Zhi Ma ◽

Xiao Jun Li

Keyword(s):

Hierarchical Structure ◽

Data Aggregation ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Evidential Reasoning ◽

Assessment Framework ◽

Safety Level

To evaluate and compare the safety level of alternative plans prepared for a towing activity that bears various risks, a novel assessment framework is worked out for inshore towing operations for heavy cargo. The assessment framework mainly includes a set of criteria with hierarchical structure drawn from towing plans and evidential reasoning theory as data aggregation approach. Case study shows that the framework is rational and applicable in the safety assessment of inshore towing operations.

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Relationships between hierarchical structure and properties in macromolecular systems

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100126950 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 45 ◽

pp. 440-443

Author(s):

E. Baer

Keyword(s):

Uniaxial Tension ◽

Hierarchical Structure ◽

Inorganic Material ◽

Hierarchical Structures ◽

Bone Collagen ◽

Structure And Properties ◽

Connective Tissues ◽

Scale Level ◽

Fibrous Protein ◽

Macromolecular Systems

The most advanced macromolecular materials are found in plants and animals, and certainly the connective tissues in mammals are amongst the most advanced macromolecular composites known to mankind. The efficient use of collagen, a fibrous protein, in the design of both soft and hard connective tissues is worthy of comment. Very crudely, in bone collagen serves as a highly efficient binder for the inorganic hydroxyappatite which stiffens the structure. The interactions between the organic fiber of collagen and the inorganic material seem to occur at the nano (scale) level of organization. Epitatic crystallization of the inorganic phase on the fibers has been reported to give a highly anisotropic, stress responsive, structure. Soft connective tissues also have sophisticated oriented hierarchical structures. The collagen fibers are “glued” together by a highly hydrated gel-like proteoglycan matrix. One of the simplest structures of this type is tendon which functions primarily in uniaxial tension as a reinforced elastomeric cable between muscle and bone.

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