In this paper, a computationally simple approach for damage localization and quantification in beam-like structures is proposed. This method is based on using modal flexibility curvature (MFC) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Analytical studies in the literature have shown that changes in the modal flexibility curvature can be considered as a sensitive and suitable criterion for...

As a common practice, the direction of natural gas flow in every pipeline is determined ex-ante for simplification purposes, and treated as given parameter within scheduling problem. However, integrated electric power networks with large share intermittent renewable supply, it no longer straightforward to optimally predetermine directions. A wrong predetermination directions may result feasible...

A fi rewall is a collection of components interposed between two networks that fi lter traffi c between them according to some security policy [1]. Typically, fi rewalls rely on restrictions in the network topology to perform this fi ltering. One key assumption under this model is that everyone on the protected network(s) is trusted, since internal traffi c is not seen by the fi rewall and thus...

By blending storytelling with topics in biology, a fun activity can be created for students to strengthen their scientific knowledge (1-3). The “Sci-Fi Microbe” writing assignment lets students create an altered version of a known microorganism, and write a story describing an unusual observation that leads the characters discovery of their new microorganism. The Sci-Fi Microbe exercise is appr...

Psychosocial stress influences cognitive abilities, such as long-term memory retrieval. However, less is known about the effects of stress on cognitive flexibility, which is mediated by different neurobiological circuits and could thus be regulated by different neuroendocrine pathways. In this study, we randomly assigned healthy adults to an acute stress induction or control condition and subse...