Abstract: In this paper, a new concept of closed-loop design for a
product is presented. The closed-loop design model is developed by
integrating forward design and reverse design. Based on this new
concept, a closed-loop design model for sustainable manufacturing by
integrated evaluation of forward design, reverse design, and green
manufacturing using a fuzzy analytic network process is developed. In
the design stage of a product, with a given product requirement and
objective, there can be different ways to design the detailed
components and specifications. Therefore, there can be different
design cases to achieve the same product requirement and objective.
Subsequently, in the design evaluation stage, it is required to analyze
and evaluate the different design cases. The purpose of this research is
to develop a model for evaluating the design cases by integrated
evaluating the criteria in forward design, reverse design, and green
manufacturing. A fuzzy analytic network process method is presented
for integrated evaluation of the criteria in the three models. The
comparison matrices for evaluating the criteria in the three groups are
established. The total relational values among the three groups
represent the total relational effects. In applications, a super matrix
model is created and the total relational values can be used to evaluate
the design cases for decision-making to select the final design case. An
example product is demonstrated in this presentation. It shows that the
model is useful for integrated evaluation of forward design, reverse
design, and green manufacturing to achieve a closed-loop design for
sustainable manufacturing objective.
Abstract: Electrodeposition is a simple and economic technique
for precision coating of different shaped substrates with pure metal,
alloy or composite films. Dc electrodeposition was used to produce
Cr, Co-Cr and Co-Cr/TiO2 nano-composite coatings from Cr(III)
based electrolytes onto 316L SS substrates. The effects of TiO2 nanoparticles
concentration on co-deposition of these particles along with
Cr content and microhardness of the coatings were investigated.
Morphology of the Cr, Co-Cr and Co-Cr/TiO2 coatings besides their
tribological behavior were studied. The results showed that increment
of TiO2 nanoparticles concentration from 0 to 30 g L-1 in the bath
increased their co-deposition and Cr content of the coatings from 0 to
3.5 wt.% and from 23.7 to 31.2 wt.%, respectively. Microhardness of
Cr coating was about 920 Hv which was higher than Co-Cr and even
Co-Cr/TiO2 films. Microhardness of Co-Cr and Co-Cr/TiO2 coatings
were improved by increasing their Cr and TiO2 content. All the
coatings had nodular morphology and contained microcracks.
Nodules sizes and the number of microcracks in the alloy and
composite coatings were lower than the Cr film. Wear results
revealed that the Co-Cr/TiO2 coating had the lowest wear loss
between all the samples, while the Cr film had the worst wear
resistance.
Abstract: Authenticity in advertising is the cornerstone of
modern marketing. Despite research advances related to the role of
authenticity in marketing, it remains unclear why customers respond to
authentic brand stories. The results show that different personality
traits will moderate the influence of different authenticity on the levels
of emotion. Whether indexically authentic or iconically authentic
advertisements were shown to extroverts, open people and agreeable
people, they will evoke more positive emotions. When neurotic people
and conscientious people see the iconically authentic advertising
rather than the indexically authentic advertising, they will produce
more negative emotions. In addition, the emotion evoked by
advertising had significant positive impact on brand attitude evoked by
advertising had significant negative impact on brand attitude. These
findings provide some managerial implications and directions for
further research.
Abstract: This article is to introduce the meaning and form of
social quality moving process as indicated by members of two suburb
communities with different social and cultural contexts. The form of
social quality moving process is very significant for the community
and social development, because it will make the people living
together with sustainable happiness.
This is a qualitative study involving 30 key-informants from two
suburb communities. Data were collected though key-informant
interviews, and analyzed using logical content description and
descriptive statistics.
This research found that on the social quality component, the
people in both communities stressed the procedure for social qualitymaking.
This includes the generousness, sharing and assisting among
people in the communities. These practices helped making people to
live together with sustainable happiness. Living as a family or appear
to be a family is the major social characteristic of these two
communities.
This research also found that form of social quality’s moving
process of both communities stress relation of human and nature;
“nature overpower humans” paradigm and influence of religious
doctrine that emphasizes relations among humans. Both criteria make
the form of social’s moving process simple, adaptive to nature and
caring for opinion sharing and understanding among each other
before action. This form of social quality’s moving process is
composed of 4 steps; (1) awareness building, (2) motivation to
change, (3) participation from every party which is concerned (4)
self-reliance.
Abstract: In this paper, a summary of analytical and
experimental studies into the behavior of a new hysteretic damper,
designed for seismic protection of structures is presented. The Multidirectional
Torsional Hysteretic Damper (MRSD) is a patented
invention in which a symmetrical arrangement of identical cylindrical
steel cores is so configured as to yield in torsion while the structure
experiences planar movements due to earthquake shakings. The new
device has certain desirable properties. Notably, it is characterized by
a variable and controllable-via-design post-elastic stiffness. The
mentioned property is a result of MRSD’s kinematic configuration
which produces this geometric hardening, rather than being a
secondary large-displacement effect. Additionally, the new system is
capable of reaching high force and displacement capacities, shows
high levels of damping, and very stable cyclic response. The device
has gone through many stages of design refinement, multiple
prototype verification tests and development of design guide-lines
and computer codes to facilitate its implementation in practice.
Practicality of the new device, as offspring of an academic sphere, is
assured through extensive collaboration with industry in its final
design stages, prototyping and verification test programs.
Abstract: Cerebellar ataxia is a steadily progressive
neurodegenerative disease associated with loss of motor control,
leaving patients unable to walk, talk, or perform activities of daily
living. Direct motor instruction in cerebella ataxia patients has limited
effectiveness, presumably because an inappropriate closed-loop
cerebellar response to the inevitable observed error confounds motor
learning mechanisms. Could the use of EEG based BCI provide
advanced biofeedback to improve motor imagery and provide a
“backdoor” to improving motor performance in ataxia patients? In
order to determine the feasibility of using EEG-based BCI control in
this population, we compare the ability to modulate mu-band power
(8-12 Hz) by performing a cued motor imagery task in an ataxia
patient and healthy control.
Abstract: This paper presents the design and characterization of
analog readout interface circuits for ion sensitive field effect
transistor (ISFET) and ion selective electrode (ISE) based sensor.
These interface circuits are implemented using MIMOS’s 0.35um
CMOS technology and experimentally characterized under 24-leads
QFN package. The characterization evaluates the circuit’s
functionality, output sensitivity and output linearity. Commercial
sensors for both ISFET and ISE are employed together with glass
reference electrode during testing. The test result shows that the
designed interface circuits manage to readout signals produced by
both sensors with measured sensitivity of ISFET and ISE sensor are
54mV/pH and 62mV/decade, respectively. The characterized output
linearity for both circuits achieves above 0.999 Rsquare. The readout
also has demonstrated reliable operation by passing all qualifications
in reliability test plan.
Abstract: Intermetallic materials are among advanced
technology materials that have outstanding mechanical and physical
properties for high temperature applications. Especially creep
resistance, low density and high hardness properties stand out in such
intermetallics. The microstructure, mechanical properties of %88Ni-
%10Cr and %2Mn powders were investigated using specimens
produced by tube furnace sintering at 900-1300°C temperature. A
composite consisting of ternary additions, a metallic phase, Fe, Cr
and Mn have been prepared under Ar shroud and then tube furnace
sintered. XRD, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), were
investigated to characterize the properties of the specimens.
Experimental results carried out for composition %88Ni-%10Cr and
%2Mn at 1300°C suggest that the best properties as 138,80HV and
6,269/cm3 density were obtained at 1300°C.
Abstract: Super steel materials play a vital role in the
construction and fabrication of structural, piping and pipeline
components. In assuring the integrity of onshore and offshore
operating systems, they enable life cycle costs to be minimized. In
this context, Duplex stainless steel (DSS) material related welding on
constructions and fabrications plays a significant role in maintaining
and assuring integrity at an optimal expenditure over the life cycle of
production and process systems as well as associated structures. In
DSS welding, factors such as gap geometry, shielding gas supply
rate, welding current, and type of the welding process are vital to the
final joint performance. Hence, an experimental investigation has
been performed using an engineering robust design approach
(ERDA) to investigate the optimal settings that generate optimal
super DSS (i.e. UNS S32750) joint performance. This manuscript
illustrates the mathematical approach and experimental design,
optimal parameter settings and results of the verification experiment.
Abstract: White concrete facade elements are widely used in
construction industry. It is challenging to achieve the desired
workability in casting of white concrete elements. Particle Matrix
model was used for proportioning the self-compacting white concrete
(SCWC) to control segregation and bleeding and to improve
workability. The paper presents how to reach the target slump flow
while controlling bleeding and segregation in SCWC. The amount of
aggregates, binders and mixing water, as well as type and dosage of
superplasticizer (SP) to be used are the major factors influencing the
properties of SCWC. Slump flow and compressive strength tests were
carried out to examine the performance of SCWC, and the results
indicate that the particle matrix model could produce successfully
SCWC controlling segregation and bleeding.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate formability of
Al based closed cell metallic foams at high temperature. The foam
specimens with rectangular section were produced from
AlMg1Si0.6TiH20.8 alloy preform material. Bending and free
bending tests based on gravity effect were applied to foam specimens
at high temperatures. During the tests, the time-angular deformation
relationships with various temperatures were determined.
Deformation types formed in cell walls were investigated by means
of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy.
Bending deformation about 90° was achieved without any defect at
high temperatures. The importance of a critical temperature and
deformation rate was emphasized in maintaining the deformation.
Significant slip lines on surface of cell walls at tensile zones of
bending specimen were observed. At high strain rates, the microcrack
formation in boundaries of elongated grains was determined.
Abstract: A Japanese manga character, Doraemon, was made by
Fujiko F. Fujio in 1969, was made into animation in 1973. The main
character, Doraemon, is a robot cat, and is a well-known Japanese
animated character. However, Doraemon is not only regarded as an
animation character but it is also used in educational and technological
programs in Japan.
This paper focuses on the background of Doraemon, educational
and technological perspectives on Doraemon, and comparison of the
original Japanese animation and the US remade version, and the
animator Fujiko’s dreams and hopes for Doraemon will be examined.
Since Doraemon has been exported as animation and manga to
overseas, perspectives toward Doraemon have changed. For example,
changes of stories and characters can been seen in the present
Doraemon animation. Not only the overseas TV productions which
broadcast Doraemon but also the Japanese production has to consider
violence, sexuality, etc. when editing episodes. Because of
representation of cultural differences, Japanese animation is thought to
contain more violence, discrimination, and sexuality in animation.
With responses from overseas, the Japanese production was cautious
about the US remade version. They cared about the US Broadcast
Standard, and tried to consider US customs and culture in the US
remade version. Seeing the difference, acculturation is necessary for
exports of animation overseas. Moreover, observing different aspects
of Doraemon domestically, Doraemon provides dreams and hopes to
children.
Abstract: Sol-enhanced Zn-Ni-Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings
were electroplated on mild steel by our newly developed solenhanced
electroplating method. In this method, transparent Al2O3 sol
was added into the acidic Zn-Ni bath to produced Zn-Ni-Al2O3nanocomposite
coatings. The chemical composition, microstructure and
mechanical properties of the composite and alloy coatings deposited
at two different agitation speed were investigated. The structure of all
coatings was single γ-Ni5Zn21 phase. The composite coatings possess
refined crystals with higher microhardness compared to Zn-Ni alloy
coatings. The wear resistance of Zn-Ni coatings was improved
significantly by incorporation of alumina nano particles into the
coatings. Higher agitation speed provided more uniform coatings
with smaller grain sized and slightly higher microhardness.
Considering composite coatings, high agitation speeds may facilitate
co-deposition of alumina in the coatings.
Abstract: This paper presents a numerical investigation of two
horizontally mounted four-lobed swirl pipes in terms of swirl
induction effectiveness into flows passing through them. The swirl
flows induced by the two swirl pipes have the potential to improve
the efficiency of Clean-In-Place procedures in a closed processing
system by local intensification of hydrodynamic impact on the
internal pipe surface. Pressure losses, swirl development within the
two swirl pipe, swirl induction effectiveness, swirl decay and wall
shear stress variation downstream of two swirl pipes are analyzed and
compared. It was found that a shorter length of swirl inducing pipe
used in joint with transition pipes is more effective in swirl induction
than when a longer one is used, in that it has a less constraint to the
induced swirl and results in slightly higher swirl intensity just
downstream of it with the expense of a smaller pressure loss. The
wall shear stress downstream of the shorter swirl pipe is also slightly
larger than that downstream of the longer swirl pipe due to the
slightly higher swirl intensity induced by the shorter swirl pipe. The
advantage of the shorter swirl pipe in terms of swirl induction is more
significant in flows with a larger Reynolds Number.
Abstract: The US Consumer Price Indices (CPIs) measures
hundreds of items in the US economy. Many social programs
and government benefits index to the CPIs. The purpose of
this project is to modernize an existing process. This paper will
show the development of a small, visual, software product that
documents the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) for longterm
contracts. The existing workbook does not provide the
flexibility to calculate EPAs where the base-month and the
option-month are different. Nor does the workbook provide
automated error checking. The small, visual, software product
provides the additional flexibility and error checking. This
paper presents the feedback to project.
Abstract: This paper introduces symbiotic organism search (SOS)
for solving capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP). SOS is a new
approach in metaheuristics fields and never been used to solve discrete
problems. A sophisticated decoding method to deal with a discrete
problem setting in CVRP is applied using the basic symbiotic
organism search (SOS) framework. The performance of the algorithm
was evaluated on a set of benchmark instances and compared results
with best known solution. The computational results show that the
proposed algorithm can produce good solution as a preliminary
testing. These results indicated that the proposed SOS can be applied
as an alternative to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem.
Abstract: Many water desalination technologies have been
developed but in general they are energy intensive and have high cost
and adverse environmental impact. Recently, adsorption technology
for water desalination has been investigated showing the potential of
using low temperature waste heat (50-85oC) thus reducing energy
consumption and CO2 emissions. This work mathematically
compares the performance of an adsorption cycle that produces two
useful effects namely, fresh water and cooling using two different
adsorbents, silica-gel and an advanced zeolite material AQSOA-ZO2,
produced by Mitsubishi plastics. It was found that at low chilled
water temperatures, typically below 20oC, the AQSOA-Z02 is more
efficient than silica-gel as the cycle can produce 5.8 m3 of fresh water
per day and 50.1 Rton of cooling per tonne of AQSOA-ZO2. Above
20oC silica-gel is still better as the cycle production reaches 8.4 m3
per day and 62.4 Rton per tonne of silica-gel. These results show the
potential of using the AQSOA-Z02 at low chilled water temperature
for water desalination and cooling applications.
Abstract: This research paper presents highly optimized barrel
shifter at 22nm Hi K metal gate strained Si technology node. This
barrel shifter is having a unique combination of static and dynamic
body bias which gives lowest power delay product. This power delay
product is compared with the same circuit at same technology node
with static forward biasing at ‘supply/2’ and also with normal reverse
substrate biasing and still found to be the lowest. The power delay
product of this barrel sifter is .39362X10-17J and is lowered by
approximately 78% to reference proposed barrel shifter at 32nm bulk
CMOS technology. Power delay product of barrel shifter at 22nm Hi
K Metal gate technology with normal reverse substrate bias is
2.97186933X10-17J and can be compared with this design’s PDP of
.39362X10-17J. This design uses both static and dynamic substrate
biasing and also has approximately 96% lower power delay product
compared to only forward body biased at half of supply voltage. The
NMOS model used are predictive technology models of Arizona state
university and the simulations to be carried out using HSPICE
simulator.
Abstract: Quantitative analyses of whisker movements provide a
means to study functional recovery and regeneration of mouse facial
nerve after an injury. However, accurate tracking of the mouse whisker
movement is challenging. Most methods for whisker tracking require
manual intervention, e.g. fixing the head of the mouse during a study.
Here we describe a semi-automated image processing method, which
is applied to high-speed video recordings of free-moving mice to track
the whisker movements. We first track the head movement of a mouse
by delineating the lower head contour frame-by-frame that allows for
detection of the location and orientation of the head. Then, a region of
interest is identified for each frame; the subsequent application of a
mask and the Hough transform detects the selected whiskers on each
side of the head. Our approach is used to examine the functional
recovery of damaged facial nerves in mice over a course of 21 days.
Abstract: Brass terminal, one of the several crude oil and
petroleum products storage/handling facilities in the Niger Delta was
built in the 1980s. Activities at this site, over the years, released
crude oil into this 3 m-deep, 1500 m-long canal lying adjacent to the
terminal with oil floating on it and its sediment heavily polluted. To
ensure effective clean-up, three major activities were planned: site
characterization, bioremediation pilot plant construction and testing
and full-scale bioremediation of contaminated sediment / bank soil by
land farming. The canal was delineated into 12 lots and each
characterized, with reference to the floating oily phase, contaminated
sediment and canal bank soil. As a result of site characterization, a
pilot plant for on-site bioremediation was designed and a treatment
basin constructed for carrying out pilot bioremediation test.
Following a designed sampling protocol, samples from this pilot
plant were collected for analysis at two laboratories as a quality
assurance / quality control check. Results showed that Brass Canal
upstream is contaminated with dark, thick and viscous oily film with
characteristic hydrocarbon smell while downstream, thin oily film
interspersed with water was observed. Sediments were observed to be
dark with mixture of brownish sandy soil with TPH ranging from
17,800 mg/kg in Lot 1 to 88,500 mg/kg in Lot 12 samples. Brass
Canal bank soil was observed to be sandy from ground surface to 3m,
below ground surface (bgs) it was silty-sandy and brownish while
subsurface soil (4-10m bgs) was sandy-clayey and whitish/grayish
with typical hydrocarbon smell. Preliminary results obtained so far
have been very promising but were proprietary. This project is
considered, to the best of technical literature knowledge, the first
large-scale on-site bioremediation project in the Niger Delta region,
Nigeria.