Abstract: In this study, three robust predicting methods, namely artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and support vector machine (SVM) were used for computing the resonant frequency of A-shaped compact microstrip antennas (ACMAs) operating at UHF band. Firstly, the resonant frequencies of 144 ACMAs with various dimensions and electrical parameters were simulated with the help of IE3D™ based on method of moment (MoM). The ANN, ANFIS and SVM models for computing the resonant frequency were then built by considering the simulation data. 124 simulated ACMAs were utilized for training and the remaining 20 ACMAs were used for testing the ANN, ANFIS and SVM models. The performance of the ANN, ANFIS and SVM models are compared in the training and test process. The average percentage errors (APE) regarding the computed resonant frequencies for training of the ANN, ANFIS and SVM were obtained as 0.457%, 0.399% and 0.600%, respectively. The constructed models were then tested and APE values as 0.601% for ANN, 0.744% for ANFIS and 0.623% for SVM were achieved. The results obtained here show that ANN, ANFIS and SVM methods can be successfully applied to compute the resonant frequency of ACMAs, since they are useful and versatile methods that yield accurate results.
Abstract: The modeling lung respiratory system that has complex anatomy and biophysics presents several challenges including tissue-driven flow patterns and wall motion. Also, the pulmonary lung system because of that they stretch and recoil with each breath, has not static walls and structures. The direct relationship between air flow and tissue motion in the lung structures naturally prefers an FSI simulation technique. Therefore, in order to toward the realistic simulation of pulmonary breathing mechanics the development of a coupled FSI computational model is an important step. A simple but physiologically relevant three-dimensional deep long geometry is designed and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) coupling technique is utilized for simulating the deformation of the lung parenchyma tissue that produces airflow fields. The real understanding of respiratory tissue system as a complex phenomenon have been investigated with respect to respiratory patterns, fluid dynamics and tissue viscoelasticity and tidal breathing period.
Abstract: This paper reviews the model-based qualitative and
quantitative Operations Management research in the context of
Construction Supply Chain Management (CSCM). Construction
industry has been traditionally blamed for low productivity, cost and
time overruns, waste, high fragmentation and adversarial
relationships. The construction industry has been slower than other
industries to employ the Supply Chain Management (SCM) concept
and develop models that support the decision-making and planning.
However the last decade there is a distinct shift from a project-based
to a supply-based approach of construction management. CSCM
comes up as a new promising management tool of construction
operations and improves the performance of construction projects in
terms of cost, time and quality. Modeling the Construction Supply
Chain (CSC) offers the means to reap the benefits of SCM, make
informed decisions and gain competitive advantage. Different
modeling approaches and methodologies have been applied in the
multi-disciplinary and heterogeneous research field of CSCM. The
literature review reveals that a considerable percentage of the CSC
modeling research accommodates conceptual or process models
which present general management frameworks and do not relate to
acknowledged soft Operations Research methods. We particularly
focus on the model-based quantitative research and categorize the
CSCM models depending on their scope, objectives, modeling
approach, solution methods and software used. Although over the last
few years there has been clearly an increase of research papers on
quantitative CSC models, we identify that the relevant literature is
very fragmented with limited applications of simulation,
mathematical programming and simulation-based optimization. Most
applications are project-specific or study only parts of the supply
system. Thus, some complex interdependencies within construction
are neglected and the implementation of the integrated supply chain
management is hindered. We conclude this paper by giving future
research directions and emphasizing the need to develop optimization
models for integrated CSCM. We stress that CSC modeling needs a
multi-dimensional, system-wide and long-term perspective. Finally,
prior applications of SCM to other industries have to be taken into
account in order to model CSCs, but not without translating the
generic concepts to the context of construction industry.
Abstract: Model transformation, as a pivotal aspect of Modeldriven
engineering, attracts more and more attentions both from
researchers and practitioners. Many domains (enterprise engineering,
software engineering, knowledge engineering, etc.) use model
transformation principles and practices to serve to their domain
specific problems; furthermore, model transformation could also be
used to fulfill the gap between different domains: by sharing and
exchanging knowledge. Since model transformation has been widely
used, there comes new requirement on it: effectively and efficiently
define the transformation process and reduce manual effort that
involved in. This paper presents an automatic model transformation
methodology based on semantic and syntactic comparisons, and
focuses particularly on granularity issue that existed in transformation
process. Comparing to the traditional model transformation
methodologies, this methodology serves to a general purpose: crossdomain
methodology. Semantic and syntactic checking
measurements are combined into a refined transformation process,
which solves the granularity issue. Moreover, semantic and syntactic
comparisons are supported by software tool; manual effort is replaced
in this way.
Abstract: This paper presents a computational study of steady
state three dimensional very high turbulent flow and heat transfer
characteristics in a constant temperature-surfaced circular duct fitted
with 900 hemispherical inline baffles. The computations are based on
realizable k-ɛ model with standard wall function considering the
finite volume method, and the SIMPLE algorithm has been
implemented. Computational Study are carried out for Reynolds
number, Re ranging from 80000 to 120000, Prandtl Number, Pr of
0.73, Pitch Ratios, PR of 1,2,3,4,5 based on the hydraulic diameter of
the channel, hydrodynamic entry length, thermal entry length and the
test section. Ansys Fluent 15.0 software has been used to solve the
flow field. Study reveals that circular pipe having baffles has a higher
Nusselt number and friction factor compared to the smooth circular
pipe without baffles. Maximum Nusselt number and friction factor
are obtained for the PR=5 and PR=1 respectively. Nusselt number
increases while pitch ratio increases in the range of study; however,
friction factor also decreases up to PR 3 and after which it becomes
almost constant up to PR 5. Thermal enhancement factor increases
with increasing pitch ratio but with slightly decreasing Reynolds
number in the range of study and becomes almost constant at higher
Reynolds number. The computational results reveal that optimum
thermal enhancement factor of 900 inline hemispherical baffle is
about 1.23 for pitch ratio 5 at Reynolds number 120000.It also shows
that the optimum pitch ratio for which the baffles can be installed in
such very high turbulent flows should be 5. Results show that pitch
ratio and Reynolds number play an important role on both fluid flow
and heat transfer characteristics.
Abstract: The aim of this investigation is to elaborate nearinfrared
methods for testing and recognition of chemical components
and quality in “Pannon wheat” allied (i.e. true to variety or variety
identified) milling fractions as well as to develop spectroscopic
methods following the milling processes and evaluate the stability of
the milling technology by different types of milling products and
according to sampling times, respectively. These wheat categories
produced under industrial conditions where samples were collected
versus sampling time and maximum or minimum yields. The changes
of the main chemical components (such as starch, protein, lipid) and
physical properties of fractions (particle size) were analysed by
dispersive spectrophotometers using visible (VIS) and near-infrared
(NIR) regions of the electromagnetic radiation. Close correlation
were obtained between the data of spectroscopic measurement
techniques processed by various chemometric methods (e.g. principal
component analysis [PCA], cluster analysis [CA]) and operation
condition of milling technology. It is obvious that NIR methods are
able to detect the deviation of the yield parameters and differences of
the sampling times by a wide variety of fractions, respectively. NIR
technology can be used in the sensitive monitoring of milling
technology.
Abstract: A pilot field study was conducted at the Jagjeetpur
Municipal Sewage treatment plant situated in the Haridwar town in
Uttarakhand state, India. The objectives of the present study were to
study the effect of treated wastewater on the production of various
paddy varieties (Sharbati, PR-114, PB-1, Menaka, PB1121 and PB
1509) and the emission of GHG gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O) as
compared to the same varieties grown in the control plots irrigated
with fresh water. Of late, the concept of water footprint assessment
has emerged, which explains enumeration of various types of water
footprints of an agricultural entity from its production to processing
stages. Paddy, the most water demanding staple crop of Uttarakhand
state, displayed a high green water footprint value of 2474.12 m3/
Ton. Most of the wastewater irrigated varieties displayed up to 6%
increase in production, except Menaka and PB-1121, which showed a
reduction in production (6% and 3% respectively), due to pest and
insect infestation. The treated wastewater was observed to be rich in
Nitrogen (55.94 mg/ml Nitrate), Phosphorus (54.24 mg/ml) and
Potassium (9.78 mg/ml), thus rejuvenating the soil quality and not
requiring any external nutritional supplements. A Percentage increase
of GHG gases of irrigation with treated municipal wastewater as
compared to control plots was observed as 0.4% - 8.6% (CH4), 1.1%
- 9.2% (CO2), and 0.07% - 5.8% (N2O). The variety, Sharbati,
displayed maximum production (5.5 ton/ha) and emerged as the most
resistant variety against pests and insects. The emission values of
CH4, CO2 and N2O were 729.31 mg/m2/d, 322.10 mg/m2/d and
400.21 mg/m2/d in water stagnant condition.
This study highlighted a successful possibility of reuse of
wastewater for non-potable purposes offering the potential for
exploiting this resource that can replace or reduce the existing use of
fresh water sources in agriculture sector.
Abstract: Submerged arc welding is a very complex process. It
is a very efficient and high performance welding process. In this
present study an attempt have been done to reduce the welding
distortion by increased amount of oxide flux through TiO2 in
submerged arc welding process. Care has been taken to avoid the
excessiveness of the adding agent for attainment of significant
results. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based BAT algorithm is
used for the parametric optimization purpose in which DEA is used
to convert multi response parameters into a single response
parameter. The present study also helps to know the effectiveness of
the addition of TiO2 in active flux during submerged arc welding
process.
Abstract: As technology-based service industries grow
drastically worldwide; companies are recognizing the importance of
market preoccupancy and have made an effort to capture a large
market to gain the upper hand. To this end, a focus on patents can be
used to determine the properties of a technology, as well as to capture
advantages in technical skills, in comparison with the firm’s
competitors. However, technology-based services largely depend not
only on their technological value but also their economic value, due
to the recognized worth that is passed to a plurality of users. Thus, it
is important to determine whether there are any competitors in the
target areas and what services they provide in any field. Despite this
importance, little effort has been made to systematically benchmark
competitors in order to identify business opportunities. Thus, this
study aims to not only identify each position of technology-centered
service companies in complex market dynamics, but also to discover
new business opportunities. For this, we try to consider both
technology and market environments simultaneously by utilizing
patent data as a representative proxy for technology and trademark
dates as an index for a firm’s target goods and services. Theoretically,
this is one of the earliest attempts to combine patent data and
trademark data to analyze corporate strategies. In practice, the
research results are expected to be used as a decision criterion to
diagnose the economic value that companies can obtain by entering
the market, as well as the technological value to be passed onto their
customers. Thus, the proposed approach can be useful to support
effective technology and business strategies in a firm.
Abstract: Biodiesel as an alternative diesel fuel is steadily gaining more attention and significance. However, there are some drawbacks while using biodiesel regarding its properties that requires it to be blended with petrol based diesel and/or additives to improve the fuel characteristics. This study analyses thermal cracking as an alternative technology to improve biodiesel characteristics in which, FAME based biodiesel produced by transesterification of castor oil is fed into a continuous thermal cracking reactor at temperatures range of 450-500°C and flowrate range of 20-40 g/hr. Experiments designed by response surface methodology and subsequent statistical studies show that temperature and feed flowrate significantly affect the products yield. Response surfaces were used to study the impact of temperature and flowrate on the product properties. After each experiment, the produced crude bio-oil was distilled and diesel cut was separated. As shorter chain molecules are produced through thermal cracking, the distillation curve of the diesel cut fitted more with petrol based diesel curve in comparison to the biodiesel. Moreover, the produced diesel cut properties adequately pose within property ranges defined by the related standard of petrol based diesel. Cold flow properties, high heating value as the main drawbacks of the biodiesel are improved by this technology. Thermal cracking decreases kinematic viscosity, Flash point and cetane number.
Abstract: Rapidly changing factors that affect daily life also affect operational environment and the way military leaders fulfill their missions. With the help of technological developments, traditional linearity of conflict and war has started to fade away. Furthermore, mission domain has broadened to include traditional threats, hybrid threats and new challenges of cyber and space. Considering the future operational environment, future military leaders need to adapt themselves to the new challenges of the future battlefield. But how to decide what kind of features of leadership are required to operate and accomplish mission in the new complex battlefield? In this article, the main aim is to provide answers to this question. To be able to find right answers, first leadership and leadership components are defined, and then characteristics of future operational environment are analyzed. Finally, leadership features that are required to be successful in redefined battlefield are explained.
Abstract: Encapsulated O-rings are specifically designed to address the problem of sealing the most hostile chemicals and extreme temperature applications. Ultrasonic vibration hot embossing and ultrasonic welding techniques provide a fast and reliable method to fabricate encapsulated O-ring. This paper performs the design and analysis method of the acoustic horns with double extrusion to process tube double side flange simultaneously. The paper deals with study through Finite Element Method (FEM) of ultrasonic stepped horn used to process a capsulated O-ring, the theoretical dimensions of horns, and their natural frequencies and amplitudes are obtained through the simulations of COMOSOL software. Furthermore, real horns were fabricated, tested and verified to proof the practical utility of these horns.
Abstract: This article briefly reviews the role of Indian
Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) for publications of Indian
Pharmacopoeia (IP) and National formulary of India (NFI) to some of
these anticipated changes, informs constituents about how they can
remain updated about progress and upcoming modifications to
official texts, and invites participation in the standards-setting
process, which are helpful to the practitioners, researchers, educators
and policy makers in the field of health care profession.
Abstract: Complex lifting entry was selected for precise landing
performance during the Mars Science Laboratory entry. This study
aims to develop the three-dimensional numerical method for precise
computation and the surface panel method for rapid engineering
prediction. Detailed flow field analysis for Mars exploration mission
was performed by carrying on a series of fully three-dimensional
Navier-Stokes computations. The static aerodynamic performance was
then discussed, including the surface pressure, lift and drag coefficient,
lift-to-drag ratio with the numerical and engineering method.
Computation results shown that the shock layer is thin because of
lower effective specific heat ratio, and that calculated results from both
methods agree well with each other, and is consistent with the
reference data. Aerodynamic performance analysis shows that CG
location determines trim characteristics and pitch stability, and certain
radially and axially shift of the CG location can alter the capsule lifting
entry performance, which is of vital significance for the aerodynamic
configuration design and inner instrument layout of the Mars entry
capsule.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a computer-aided solution
with Genetic Algorithms in order to reduce the drafting of reports:
FMEA analysis and Control Plan required in the manufacture of the
product launch and improved knowledge development teams for
future projects. The solution allows to the design team to introduce
data entry required to FMEA. The actual analysis is performed using
Genetic Algorithms to find optimum between RPN risk factor and
cost of production. A feature of Genetic Algorithms is that they are
used as a means of finding solutions for multi criteria optimization
problems. In our case, along with three specific FMEA risk factors is
considered and reduce production cost. Analysis tool will generate
final reports for all FMEA processes. The data obtained in FMEA
reports are automatically integrated with other entered parameters in
Control Plan. Implementation of the solution is in the form of an
application running in an intranet on two servers: one containing
analysis and plan generation engine and the other containing the
database where the initial parameters and results are stored. The
results can then be used as starting solutions in the synthesis of other
projects. The solution was applied to welding processes, laser cutting
and bending to manufacture chassis for buses. Advantages of the
solution are efficient elaboration of documents in the current project
by automatically generating reports FMEA and Control Plan using
multiple criteria optimization of production and build a solid
knowledge base for future projects. The solution which we propose is
a cheap alternative to other solutions on the market using Open
Source tools in implementation.
Abstract: For this study, a town based soil database created in
Gümüsçay District of Biga Town, Çanakkale, Turkey. Crop and
livestock production are major activities in the district. Nutrient
management is mainly based on commercial fertilizer application
ignoring the livestock manure. Within the boundaries of district, 122
soil sampling points determined over the satellite image. Soil samples
collected from the determined points with the help of handheld
Global Positioning System. Labeled samples were sent to a
commercial laboratory to determine 11 soil parameters including
salinity, pH, lime, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
iron, manganese, copper and zinc. Based on the test results soil maps
for mentioned parameters were developed using remote sensing, GIS,
and geostatistical analysis. In this study we developed a GIS database
that will be used for soil nutrient management. Methods were
explained and soil maps and their interpretations were summarized in
the study.
Abstract: It is the worldwide problem that the recycled PVB is
not recycled and it is wildly stored in landfills. However, PVB has
similar chemical properties such as PVC. Moreover, both of these
polymers are plasticized. Therefore, the study of thermal properties
of plasticized PVC and the recycled PVB obtained by recycling of
windshields is carried out. This work has done in order to find nondegradable
processing conditions applicable for both polymers.
Tested PVC contained 38% of plasticizer diisononyl phthalate
(DINP) and PVB was plasticized with 28% of triethylene glycol,
bis(2-ethylhexanoate) (3GO). The thermal and thermo-oxidative
decomposition of both vinyl polymers are compared by calorimetric
analysis and by tensile strength analysis.
Abstract: Image segmentation and color identification is an
important process used in various emerging fields like intelligent
robotics. A method is proposed for the manipulator to grasp and place
the color object into correct location. The existing methods such as
PSO, has problems like accelerating the convergence speed and
converging to a local minimum leading to sub optimal performance.
To improve the performance, we are using watershed algorithm and
for color identification, we are using EPSO. EPSO method is used to
reduce the probability of being stuck in the local minimum. The
proposed method offers the particles a more powerful global
exploration capability. EPSO methods can determine the particles
stuck in the local minimum and can also enhance learning speed as
the particle movement will be faster.
Abstract: Aluminium matrix composites with alumina
reinforcements give superior mechanical & physical properties. Their
applications in several fields like automobile, aerospace, defense,
sports, electronics, bio-medical and other industrial purposes are
becoming essential for the last several decades. In the present work,
fabrication of hybrid composite was done by Stir casting technique
using Al 6061 as a matrix with alumina and silicon carbide (SiC) as
reinforcement materials. The weight percentage of alumina is varied
from 2 to 4% and the silicon carbide weight percentage is maintained
constant at 2%. Hardness and wear tests are performed in the as cast
and heat treated conditions. Age hardening treatment was performed
on the specimen with solutionizing at 550°C, aging at two
temperatures (150 and 200°C) for different time durations. Hardness
distribution curves are drawn and peak hardness values are recorded.
Hardness increase was very sensitive with respect to the decrease in
aging temperature. There was an improvement in wear resistance of
the peak aged material when aged at lower temperature. Also
increase in weight percent of alumina, increases wear resistance at
lower temperature but opposite behavior was seen when aged at
higher temperature.
Abstract: Nowadays, the main goal for modern horticultural
production is an increase the quality. In recent years, the use of
organic fertilizers or biostimulants that can be applied in agriculture
to improve quali-quantitative crop yields has encountered increasing
interest. Biostimulants are gaining importance also for their possible
use in organic and sustainable agriculture, to avoid excessive
fertilizer applications. Consecutive experimental trials were carried
out in the Apulia region (southern Italy) on three herbaceous crops
(cauliflower, pepper, fennel) grown in pots under conventional and
organic fertilization systems without and with biostimulants. The aim
was to determine the effects of three biostimulants (Siapton®10L,
Micotech L, Lysodin Alga-Fert) on quali-quantitative yield
characteristics. At harvest, the quali-quantitative yield characteristics
of each crop were determined. All of the experimental data were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and when significant
effects were detected, the means were compared using Tukey’s tests.
These data show large differences in these yield characteristics
between conventional and organic crops, particularly highlighting
higher yields for the conventional crops, while variable results were
generally observed when the biostimulants were applied. In this
context, there were no effects of the biostimulants on the quantitative
yield, whereas there were low positive effects on the qualitative
characteristics, as related to higher dry matter content of cauliflower,
and higher soluble solids content of pepper. Moreover, there were
evident positive effects of the biostimulants with fennel, due to the
lower nitrate content. These latter data are in line with most of the
published literature obtained for other herbaceous crops.