Using of timber in civil engineering is increasing at the moment. Main timber elements are used for main supporting structures, typically for buildings, roofs, footbridges or towers. This work studies unique timber trusses as a supporting roof structure of spatial timber building. Timber trusses are used as roof supporting construction for objects with open inside space, especially halls or office buildings. This paper resolved critical joint in roof construction which is created by four timber trusses. The FEM model monitored strain changes in critical places of resolved joint.
Abstract Using of timber in civil engineering is increasing at the moment. Main timber elements are used for main supporting structures, typically for buildings, roofs, footbridges [...]
The effect of waterproof membrane and steel reinforcement protection on the concrete bridge deck is modeled. The attention is paid to the durability prediction related to steel reinforcement corrosion initiation based on the chloride penetration. Thus 2-D finite element chloride ingress model is applied. The transient finite element model serves to solve Ficks second diffusion law using the computer tool compatible with the Matlab environment. The model focuses on the transport of chloride ions through a reinforced concrete bridge deck with and without the effect of waterproof membrane and on an estimate of the concentration of chlorides at the reinforcement level or in places with damage to the epoxide coating of the reinforcement. The model allows the incorporation of damage to the waterproof insulation under the asphalt coating. The time to chloride induced onset of corrosion is predicted and results are compared. The effect of water proof membrane reinforcement protection strategy typical for Central Europe and epoxy-coating protection widely used in North-Western United States is evaluated.
Abstract The effect of waterproof membrane and steel reinforcement protection on the concrete bridge deck is modeled. The attention is paid to the durability prediction related to [...]
The objective of the paper is description, application and verification of the real option methodology in financial decision-making of the internet company in China. There is the real option methodology described. Subsequently financial characterisation of internet Baidu company is given. Crucial part consists in calculation of the company value under several scenarios and real option alternatives. We conclude that generalised real option methodology is suitable method of valuation of the internet company under China economical conditions.
Abstract The objective of the paper is description, application and verification of the real option methodology in financial decision-making of the internet company in China. There [...]
Use of combination of experimental measurements, tests in situ and numerical modelling is optimal approach to obtain reliable results of subsoil–structure interaction. Input data for numerical analyses were obtained by experimental loading tests of three different types of concrete slabs. Loading was performed out using experimental equipment. The unique experimental equipment was constructed in the area of Faculty of Civil Engineering, VŠB-TU Ostrava. Analyses of interaction of reinforced concrete slabs with subsoil were solved by application of inhomogeneous half-space. The main focus was to verify the aptness of application of inhomogeneous half-space in relation to the slab deformations in comparison of different types of reinforcements of concrete slab.
Abstract Use of combination of experimental measurements, tests in situ and numerical modelling is optimal approach to obtain reliable results of subsoil–structure interaction. [...]
This paper aims at the valuation of real options with changing volatility. Volatility change is a typical feature of real investment projects, where the riskiness of cash flow generated by the project can change significantly during the project life span. In this paper, there is explained how the problem of changing volatility can be considered if binomial lattice and replication strategy is used for real option valuation. There are recombining and non-recombining lattice used and constant and increasing volatility are analysed and results compared. In situation when volatility is changing, two approaches overcoming this problem are employed and compared.
Abstract This paper aims at the valuation of real options with changing volatility. Volatility change is a typical feature of real investment projects, where the riskiness of cash [...]
Nowadays, many companies try to enter to the international sector and to extend here their activity. Their international cooperation is an integral part of the action; it is necessary to know the cultural differences. Therefore it is important to understand the social development including the Social Progress Index and the secondary analysis of an economic situation in China; and its subsequent impact on the economy not only in the Czech Republic based on evaluation of Czech-Chinese business relations. China was in the last five years the male rotor of the world economic growth and became a significant importer of commodities. Last year, the Chinese economic growth rate slowed down, which could have negative consequences on other economies. This is also the possible reason for some Czech companies leaving the Chinese market; they transfer their production parts back to Europe or India. A presumption of high living standard, which all countries of the world and their inhabitants want to achieve, is according to the current paradigm of economic science the economic growth. The economy does not take pace in a vertical line, but at the horizontal level as the meaning of sharing in the net among the individuals. And the cooperation does not take place in the horizontal line but in the vertical line, which essentially changes the way of peoples working.
Abstract Nowadays, many companies try to enter to the international sector and to extend here their activity. Their international cooperation is an integral part of the action; it [...]
T. Wu, J. Lin, C. Chen, Y. Tseng, J. Frnda, L. Sevcik, M. Voznak
Perspectives in Science (2016). Vol. 7
Abstract
The design of ID-based cryptography has received much attention from researchers. However, how to revoke the misbehaviour/compromised user in ID-based public key cryptosystem becomes an important research issue. Recently, Tseng and Tsai proposed a novel public key cryptosystem called revocable ID-based public key cryptosystem (RIBE) to solve the revocation problem. Later on, numerous research papers based on the Tseng-Tsai key RIBE were proposed. In this paper, we brief review Tseng and Tsais RIBE. We hope this review can help the readers to understand the Tseng and Tsais revocable ID-based public key cryptosystem.
Abstract The design of ID-based cryptography has received much attention from researchers. However, how to revoke the misbehaviour/compromised user in ID-based public key cryptosystem [...]
A special type of the gas engine with external combustion is called Stirling engine. The mechanism has two pistons with two volumes inside. The pistons are connected together through cooler, regenerator and warmer. The engine effectivity depends on the piston movement behaviour. The usual sinusoidal time curve leads to low effectiveness. The quick movement from lower to upper position with a certain delay in both top and bottom dead centres is more effective. The paper deals with three types of mechanisms, analyzing the piston movement, and their behavior. Special emphasize is taken to the piston movement regime.
Abstract A special type of the gas engine with external combustion is called Stirling engine. The mechanism has two pistons with two volumes inside. The pistons are connected together [...]
Black carbon (BC), elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) are emitted as primary particles from incomplete combustion from fossil fuel, industry, residential heating and biomass burning. Carbon compounds account for a large fraction of airborne particulate matter. Above-mentioned forms of carbon particles can be used for the identification of pollution sources. The following work focuses on individual emission sources in the Moravian-Silesian Region, and their portion in air pollution.
Abstract Black carbon (BC), elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) are emitted as primary particles from incomplete combustion from fossil fuel, industry, residential heating [...]
The paper discussed numerical approach for an estimation of initial elastic material properties for homogenised models of masonry. The tensor scale parameter is utilised. The paper discusses the principles of the use of the tensor scale for such task and it also discusses current limitations of the procedure. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the practical use of the proposed method.
Abstract The paper discussed numerical approach for an estimation of initial elastic material properties for homogenised models of masonry. The tensor scale parameter is utilised. [...]
Structural fire resistance, as integral part of structural design, is determined by testing or by calculations. This paper is focused on statically indeterminate structures where thermal expansion is restrained and significant internal forces occur in the structure leading to possible plasticization and subsequent redistribution of internal forces. In this paper different approaches of fire resistance testing are described, together with brief description of two experiments focussed on verification of behaviour of a statically indeterminate steel frame exposed to high temperature which were carried out at VŠB-TU Ostrava. The paper is complemented with calculation of steel and concrete simple frame structure exposed to elevated temperature.
Abstract Structural fire resistance, as integral part of structural design, is determined by testing or by calculations. This paper is focused on statically indeterminate structures [...]
Sun Valley, the landmark building of World Expo in Shanghai, which has free surface with single-layer reticulated shell structure, is a typical complex structure. CAD/CAM integrated information system to design is used for the complex structure; however, it is a very rigorous process to be used widely. The relevant technology of the Sun Valley is not open to the public at present, so we try to use BIM technology to model the Sun Valley, including architecture modelling and structure analysis. By analysis of the Sun Valley structure using this method, it is proved that the problems in modelling may be solved by writing some script codes in Rhino software and the stability of the model can also be analyzed. The new approach is viable and effective in combination with different softwares such as Rhino, Revit, and Midas in solution of the complex shaped surfaces’ structure for modelling and calculation.
Abstract Sun Valley, the landmark building of World Expo in Shanghai, which has free surface with single-layer reticulated shell structure, is a typical complex structure. CAD/CAM [...]
There have been many papers recently (both theoretical and empirical) analyzing the problem of income inequality in China. Most of them usually state that the income inequality in China is growing in two dimensions – among the regions and between the urban and rural areas. Moreover, an opinion that reducing the inequality must be connected with sacrificing some part of economic growth prevails. These results seem to be widely accepted also by the media and politicians. In this paper we provide evidence that the income inequality remains stable in last years and that its relationship with economic growth is very ambiguous. Using the comparison with some other countries, we document that the inequality in both dimensions mentioned above does not change significantly faster than in other countries.
Abstract There have been many papers recently (both theoretical and empirical) analyzing the problem of income inequality in China. Most of them usually state that the income inequality [...]
The reliability of the technical manufacturing base of each state depends on the supplies of energies and drinking water in standard as well as extraordinary conditions. An extraordinary event or crisis situation can be caused by natural influences and anthropogenic events. Whereas in standard conditions, the supply of energies follows from contractual relationships, in case of extraordinary event it follows from a real situation that has occurred in the concerned entity of technical infrastructure. A common condition of technical–operational safety and manufacturing activity of all entities in standard and extraordinary situations is the reliability and continuity of water supplies for technological and sanitary purposes. This article presents what the threats and natural and anthropogenic conditions that can disrupt or completely exclude manufacturing processes are and how these threats can be effectively coped with in the real environment.
Abstract The reliability of the technical manufacturing base of each state depends on the supplies of energies and drinking water in standard as well as extraordinary conditions. An [...]
Although the European Union and China are different in terms of area, population, economic, social, political and cultural development, both of them have to face similar challenge – the significant regional disparities and unbalanced regional development. Based on this the EU-China cooperation on regional policy has been launched and there is huge potential to develop mutual learning initiatives to allow their regions developed. The main aim of this paper is to outline the trends in evolution and perspectives of EU-China cooperation on regional policy.
Abstract Although the European Union and China are different in terms of area, population, economic, social, political and cultural development, both of them have to face similar challenge [...]
This paper presents the analysis of China financial market and method of hedging optimization for compute expected shortfall risk based on attitude towards risk under the Black–Scholes model. The application demonstrates an example of the efficient hedging strategy for call option in the Black–Scholes model based on geometric Brownian motion with loss function. The data of illustrations which applies in China financial market. The resulting efficient hedges allow the investor to interpolate in a systematic way extreme of partial hedging (between no hedge and full hedge) that depend on the accepted level of shortfall risk.
Abstract This paper presents the analysis of China financial market and method of hedging optimization for compute expected shortfall risk based on attitude towards risk under the [...]
To determine dynamic response of mechanical system is always a complex issue. One of the core inputs for such a task is a coefficient of logarithmic damping decrement. There is no way how to determine this coefficient analytically; it needs to be measured on the final product. There has been a large amount of dynamic tests carried out on common structures and the results have been incorporated in design codes. Nevertheless, power plant boiler structure differs significantly from common structures. To provide a large number of dynamic tests on real facility is very difficult for many reasons. Using a scaled model is a way how to achieve relevant data based on repeatable experiment.
Abstract To determine dynamic response of mechanical system is always a complex issue. One of the core inputs for such a task is a coefficient of logarithmic damping decrement. There [...]
In the Czech Republic owning and utilising of a car is one of the best remedies against a diminishing of cruising radius in old age and a comfortable mean to sustain autonomy and independence of living as well as social relations. Physical handicaps and limits of the elderly could be compensated today by sophisticated technical solutions. Promotion of specialised driver-assistance systems in the cars and advancement of the demand for age relevant cars with high-tech-optimisation should be the remedy; It is expected that these technical means will be used to a far greater degree in the future for the purposes of preventing road accidents (active safety) and to reduce the impact of the road accidents that do occur (passive safety) to senior citizens. The use of telematic should help in preventing accidents. Technical development increasing the safety of vehicles for older passengers need not be the privilege of a few. It will be necessary to co-operate with manufacturers to ensure that technical innovations are available to all and attainable as soon as possible for a wide range of new vehicles. The possibilities for equipping older vehicles already on the roads with new technical means of prevention should also be investigated. With changing attitudes and conditions the desire to travel for services, business and leisure represents a potential major new source of ideas for IVIS and ADAS designers and producers. Senior drivers represent a potential major new source of ideas for IVIS and ADAS designers and producers. The telematic development including IVIS and ADAS designed to reduce traffic accidents and to support elderly drivers in a suitable and user-oriented way may be appropriate solution.
Abstract In the Czech Republic owning and utilising of a car is one of the best remedies against a diminishing of cruising radius in old age and a comfortable mean to sustain autonomy [...]
Modern fluid mechanics examines understanding, predicting and directing of fluids in the fluid structures. But new computational methods need to find out the optimal solution of each hydraulic system because of minimization of power losses. Consequently, this article looks through the shape optimization of hydraulic parts using adjoint optimization method. It is most used gradient-based method. This approach enables to calculate the objective function sensitivities in consideration of the design variables (Kyriakos and Papadimitriou, 2008). Many producers talk about the optimized solutions, but only small part from them use all possibilities for finding the best one. It is motivation why in this paper the shape optimization of the hydraulic valve component with respect to minimization of pressure losses is presented.
Abstract Modern fluid mechanics examines understanding, predicting and directing of fluids in the fluid structures. But new computational methods need to find out the optimal solution [...]
This paper focuses on an investigation of an improved longitudinal joint with headed bar details connecting precast decked bulb tee girders for accelerated bridge construction. The testing study included two phases. In phase I, five beam specimens with various headed bar details and a continuous reinforced specimen were tested under flexure loadings. A headed bar detail with 152 mm lap length was recommended for further study. In phase II, two slabs connected by the selected joint were tested under flexure and flexure-shear loadings. Test results were evaluated based on structural behaviors including capacity, deflection, and failure mode. At last, a validated strut-and-tie model was developed to anticipate the capacity of the improved longitudinal joint. It shows that the proposed headed bar details can provide a continuous force transfer in the joint. The lap length interacting with the spacing of the headed bar is the most significant parameter of the improved joint details. To develop a full strength joint, the lap length should not be less than 152 mm and be designed by the strength requirement. The strut-and-tie model can provide a conservative strength anticipation of the joint and it is the lower bound of the ultimate capacity of the joint.
Abstract This paper focuses on an investigation of an improved longitudinal joint with headed bar details connecting precast decked bulb tee girders for accelerated bridge construction. [...]
This study examines the agency costs of 314 family firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange in China. The results show that agency costs of family firms increase significantly with the enhancement of familys ownership and the separation of ownership and control, while family involvement in management can reduce the agency costs. By including the variable proxying internal control and the interaction term between internal control and family involvement in the empirical model, we still find that the effects of family involvement on agency costs are contingent on the quality of internal control.
Abstract This study examines the agency costs of 314 family firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange in China. The results show that agency costs of family firms increase [...]
Coordinated control of multi-agent systems has widespread application in engineering such as unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles. Due to the fact that input saturation can lead a control system to deterioration and instability, a lot of efforts have been devoted to investigating this subject of great importance. The present article offers a survey of recent developments on coordinated control of multi-agents systems subject to input saturation. Some preliminaries about graph theory, stability theory and input saturation are first provided, followed by some important results in the area, which are categorized into semi-global and global coordinated controls. Future research topics are finally discussed.
Abstract Coordinated control of multi-agent systems has widespread application in engineering such as unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles. Due to the fact that input [...]
Timber constructions made of round timber components are becoming more and more popular. Given that in the current European standards for the design of timber structures, timber-to-timber joint type is solved only for squared timber. This paper presents results of static tests in tension at an angle of 0°, 90°, 60° to the grain of round timber bolted joints. This research looks into reinforcement with modified washers or self-drilling screws, as these are the least labour-intensive (while economically advantageous). The joints samples were experimentally tested in the laboratory of the Faculty of Civil Engineering VŠB TU Ostrava.
Abstract Timber constructions made of round timber components are becoming more and more popular. Given that in the current European standards for the design of timber structures, [...]
Variable weight synthesis method is a safety assessment method which is using the varied weight principle, based on analytic hierarchy process and combining the theory of grey relevancy, it reduce influence that secondary cause is not obvious in assessment process, and make the result more correct and dependable. In the paper, variable weight principle and the assessment method were expounded in detail.
Abstract Variable weight synthesis method is a safety assessment method which is using the varied weight principle, based on analytic hierarchy process and combining the theory of [...]
University internationalization in the field of education as well as in the field of science and research is one of the main priorities of VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava. VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava has several double degree agreements with foreign universities, mostly from Western Europe – e.g. Great Britain, Finland, but also with foreign universities outside Europe. In 2009 VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava signed a memorandum with Hubei University of Technology. This cooperation involves travelling of the Czech teachers to China and teaching several subjects at Hubei University of Technology as well as teaching 3rd year Chinese students at VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic). This paper brings own teaching experience of the European lecturer who gave the lectures at the Chinese university for the Chinese students studying in English. Ishikawa diagram was used to determine the main causes of Chinese students’ failure in Business Economics. This paper brings modified methods of teaching Business Economics to be more suitable for Chinese students as well as critical review of Chinese students’ learning styles and characteristics observed by the author of the paper.
Abstract University internationalization in the field of education as well as in the field of science and research is one of the main priorities of VŠB – Technical University [...]