scholarly journals A Retrospective Analysis of the Evolution of Pratt Trusses in Indiana

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-64
Author(s):  
Eszter Fehér ◽  
Tamás Baranyai

A simple method is presented to carry out a retrospective analysis to examine the development of load-bearing structures. The idea is to eliminate the differences coming from technological changes (such as joints, profiles, loads) by using relative numbers to express the relation of the structures to the possible theoretical solutions under the same circumstances. The method is demonstrated by investigating the impact of historical changes focusing on metal Pratt trusses spanning about 100 ft, located in Indiana, U.S., erected between 1870 and 1937. Data of 87 structures was collected and compared to the results of a multi-objective optimisation computed using a genetic algorithm. Using the relative numbers acquired by evaluating the objective functions for the historical structures, a large time-scale optimisation process through history can be visualised. Plotting them on the Pareto-front diagram determined by the genetic algorithm and examining the historical background of the state revealed that the economic and industrial changes, in fact, had a considerable impact on the design trends, which manifests in changes of the weights of the objective functions.

Author(s):  
Andrew J. Robison ◽  
Andrea Vacca

A computationally efficient gerotor gear generation algorithm has been developed that creates elliptical-toothed gerotor gear profiles, identifies conditions to guarantee a feasible geometry, evaluates several performance objectives, and is suitable to use for geometric optimization. Five objective functions are used in the optimization: minimize pump size, flow ripple, adhesive wear, subsurface fatigue (pitting), and tooth tip leakage. The gear generation algorithm is paired with the NSGA-II optimization algorithm to minimize each of the objective functions subject to the constraints to define a feasible geometry. The genetic algorithm is run with a population size of 1000 for a total of 500 generations, after which a clear Pareto front is established and displayed. A design has been selected from the Pareto front which is a good compromise between each of the design objectives and can be scaled to any desired displacement. The results of the optimization are also compared to two profile geometries found in literature. Two alternative geometries are proposed that offer much lower adhesive wear while respecting the size constraints of the published profiles and are thought to be an improvement in design.


Author(s):  
Tommaso Selleri ◽  
Behzad Najafi ◽  
Fabio Rinaldi ◽  
Guido Colombo

In the present paper a mathematical model for a mini-channel heat exchanger is proposed. Multiobjective optimization using genetic algorithm is performed in the next step in order to obtain a set of geometrical design parameters, leading to minimum pressure drops and maximum overall heat transfer coefficient. Multiobjective optimization procedure provides a set of optimal solutions, called Pareto front, each of which is a trade-off between the objective functions and can be freely selected by the user according to the specifications of the project. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out to study the effects of different geometrical parameters on the considered functions. The whole system has been modeled based on advanced experimental correlations in matlab environment using a modular approach.


2011 ◽  
Vol 317-319 ◽  
pp. 794-798
Author(s):  
Zhi Bin Li ◽  
Yun Jiang Lou ◽  
Yong Sheng Zhang ◽  
Ze Xiang Li

The paper addresses the multi-objective optimization of a 2-DoF purely translational parallel manipulator. The kinematic analysis of the Proposed T2 parallel robot is introduced briefly. The objective functions are optimized simultaneously to improve Regular workspace Share (RWS) and Global Conditioning Index (GCI). A Multi-Objective Evolution Algorithm (MOEA) based on the Control Elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (controlled ENSGA-II) is used to find the Pareto front. The optimization results show that this method is efficient. The parallel manipulator prototype is also exhibited here.


Author(s):  
Julie L. Wambaugh ◽  
Lydia Kallhoff ◽  
Christina Nessler

Purpose This study was designed to examine the association of dosage and effects of Sound Production Treatment (SPT) for acquired apraxia of speech. Method Treatment logs and probe data from 20 speakers with apraxia of speech and aphasia were submitted to a retrospective analysis. The number of treatment sessions and teaching episodes was examined relative to (a) change in articulation accuracy above baseline performance, (b) mastery of production, and (c) maintenance. The impact of practice schedule (SPT-Blocked vs. SPT-Random) was also examined. Results The average number of treatment sessions conducted prior to change was 5.4 for SPT-Blocked and 3.9 for SPT-Random. The mean number of teaching episodes preceding change was 334 for SPT-Blocked and 179 for SPT-Random. Mastery occurred within an average of 13.7 sessions (1,252 teaching episodes) and 12.4 sessions (1,082 teaching episodes) for SPT-Blocked and SPT-Random, respectively. Comparisons of dosage metric values across practice schedules did not reveal substantial differences. Significant negative correlations were found between follow-up probe performance and the dosage metrics. Conclusions Only a few treatment sessions were needed to achieve initial positive changes in articulation, with mastery occurring within 12–14 sessions for the majority of participants. Earlier occurrence of change or mastery was associated with better follow-up performance. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12592190


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 145-146
Author(s):  
Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt ◽  
Georges Elhomsy ◽  
Fanglong Dong ◽  
Bobbie Paull-Forney

Electricity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-109
Author(s):  
Julian Wruk ◽  
Kevin Cibis ◽  
Matthias Resch ◽  
Hanne Sæle ◽  
Markus Zdrallek

This article outlines methods to facilitate the assessment of the impact of electric vehicle charging on distribution networks at planning stage and applies them to a case study. As network planning is becoming a more complex task, an approach to automated network planning that yields the optimal reinforcement strategy is outlined. Different reinforcement measures are weighted against each other in terms of technical feasibility and costs by applying a genetic algorithm. Traditional reinforcements as well as novel solutions including voltage regulation are considered. To account for electric vehicle charging, a method to determine the uptake in equivalent load is presented. For this, measured data of households and statistical data of electric vehicles are combined in a stochastic analysis to determine the simultaneity factors of household load including electric vehicle charging. The developed methods are applied to an exemplary case study with Norwegian low-voltage networks. Different penetration rates of electric vehicles on a development path until 2040 are considered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 186 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 502-505
Author(s):  
Justin J Stewart ◽  
Diane Flynn ◽  
Alana D Steffen ◽  
Dale Langford ◽  
Honor McQuinn ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction Soldiers are expected to deploy worldwide and must be medically ready in order to accomplish their mission. Soldiers unable to deploy for an extended period of time because of chronic pain or other conditions undergo an evaluation for medical retirement. A retrospective analysis of existing longitudinal data from an Interdisciplinary Pain Management Center (IPMC) was used to evaluate the temporal relationship between the time of initial duty restriction and referral for comprehensive pain care to being evaluated for medical retirement. Methods Patients were adults (>18 years old) and were cared for in an IPMC at least once between May 1, 2014 and February 28, 2018. A total of 1,764 patients were included in the final analysis. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of duration between date of first duty restriction documentation and IPMC referral to the outcome variable of establishment of a permanent 3 (P3) profile. Results The duration between date of first duty restriction and IPMC referral showed a curvilinear relationship to probability of a P3 profile. According to our model, a longer duration before referral is associated with an increased probability of a subsequent P3 profile with the highest probability peaking at 19 months. The probability of P3 declines gradually for those who were referred later. Discussion This is the first time the relationship between time of initial duty restriction, referral to an IPMC, and subsequent P3 or higher profile has been tested. Future research is needed to examine medical conditions listed on the profile to see how they might contribute to the cause of referral to the IPMC. Conclusion A longer duration between initial duty restriction and referral to IPMC was associated with higher odds of subsequent P3 status for up to 19 months. Referral to an IPMC for comprehensive pain care early in the course of chronic pain conditions may reduce the likelihood of P3 profile and eventual medical retirement of soldiers.


Author(s):  
Pietro De Luca ◽  
Antonella Bisogno ◽  
Vito Colacurcio ◽  
Pasquale Marra ◽  
Claudia Cassandro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Since the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 from China, all deferrable medical activities have been suspended, to redirect resources for the management of COVID patients. The goal of this retrospective study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on head and neck cancers’ diagnosis in our Academic Hospital. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients treated for head and neck cancers between March 12 and November 1, 2020 was carried out, and we compared these data with the diagnoses of the same periods of the 5 previous years. Results 47 patients were included in this study. We observed a significative reduction in comparison with the same period of the previous 5 years. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a decrease in the number of new H&N cancers diagnoses, and a substantial diagnostic delay can be attributable to COVID-19 control measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 287 ◽  
pp. 116547
Author(s):  
Sebastián García ◽  
Antonio Parejo ◽  
Enrique Personal ◽  
Juan Ignacio Guerrero ◽  
Félix Biscarri ◽  
...  

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