Abstract: A novel hybrid model of the lumbar spine, allowing
fast static and dynamic simulations of the disc pressure
and the spine mobility, is introduced in this work. Our
contribution is to combine rigid bodies, deformable finite
elements, articular constraints, and springs into a unique model
of the spine. Each vertebra is represented by a rigid body
controlling a surface mesh to model contacts on the facet
joints and the spinous process. The discs are modeled using
a heterogeneous tetrahedral finite element model. The facet
joints are represented as elastic joints with six degrees of
freedom, while the ligaments are modeled using non-linear
one-dimensional elastic elements. The challenge we tackle
is to make these different models efficiently interact while
respecting the principles of Anatomy and Mechanics.
The mobility, the intradiscal pressure, the facet joint force and
the instantaneous center of rotation of the lumbar spine are
validated against the experimental and theoretical results of
the literature on flexion, extension, lateral bending as well as
axial rotation.
Our hybrid model greatly simplifies the modeling task and
dramatically accelerates the simulation of pressure within the
discs, as well as the evaluation of the range of motion and the
instantaneous centers of rotation, without penalizing precision.
These results suggest that for some types of biomechanical
simulations, simplified models allow far easier modeling and
faster simulations compared to usual full-FEM approaches
without any loss of accuracy.
Abstract: The inspection of underneath vehicle system has been
given significant attention by governments after the threat of
terrorism become more prevalent. New technologies such as mobile
robots and computer vision are led to have more secure environment.
This paper proposed that a mobile robot like Aria robot can be used
to search and inspect the bombs under parking a lot vehicle. This
robot is using fuzzy logic and subsumption algorithms to control the
robot that movies underneath the vehicle. An OpenCV library and
laser Hokuyo are added to Aria robot to complete the experiment for
under vehicle inspection. This experiment was conducted at the
indoor environment to demonstrate the efficiency of our methods to
search objects and control the robot movements under vehicle. We
got excellent results not only by controlling the robot movement but
also inspecting object by the robot camera at same time. This success
allowed us to know the requirement to construct a new cost effective
robot with more functionality.
Abstract: This paper proposes a method to automatic transformation of CIM level to PIM level respecting the MDA approach. Our proposal is based on creating a good CIM level through well-defined rules allowing as achieving rich models that contain relevant information to facilitate the task of the transformation to the PIM level. We define, thereafter, an appropriate PIM level through various UML diagram. Next, we propose set rules to move from CIM to PIM. Our method follows the MDA approach by considering the business dimension in the CIM level through the use BPMN, standard modeling business of OMG, and the use of UML in PIM advocated by MDA in this level.
Abstract: Power distribution systems typically have tie and sectionalizing switches whose states determine the topological configuration of the network. The aim of network reconfiguration of the distribution network is to minimize the losses for a load arrangement at a particular time. Thus the objective function is to minimize the losses of the network by satisfying the distribution network constraints. The various constraints are radiality, voltage limits and the power balance condition. In this paper the status of the switches is obtained by using Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. ABC is based on a particular intelligent behavior of honeybee swarms. ABC is developed based on inspecting the behaviors of real bees to find nectar and sharing the information of food sources to the bees in the hive. The proposed methodology has three stages. In stage one ABC is used to find the tie switches, in stage two the identified tie switches are checked for radiality constraint and if the radilaity constraint is satisfied then the procedure is proceeded to stage three otherwise the process is repeated. In stage three load flow analysis is performed. The process is repeated till the losses are minimized. The ABC is implemented to find the power flow path and the Forward Sweeper algorithm is used to calculate the power flow parameters. The proposed methodology is applied for a 33–bus single feeder distribution network using MATLAB.
Abstract: Shellac is a natural polyester resin secreted by insects. Pectins are natural, non-toxic and water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from the peels of citrus fruits or the leftovers of apples. Both polymers are allowed for the use in the pharmaceutical industry and as a food additive. SSB Aquagold® is the aqueous solution of shellac and can be used for a coating process as an enteric or controlled drug release polymer. In this study, tablets containing 10 mg methylene blue as a model drug were prepared with a rotary press. Those tablets were coated with mixtures of shellac and one of the pectin different types (i.e. CU 201, CU 501, CU 701 and CU 020) mostly in a 2:1 ratio or with pure shellac in a small scale fluidized bed apparatus. A stable, simple and reproducible three-stage coating process was successfully developed. The drug contents of the coated tablets were determined using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The characterization of the surface and the film thickness were performed with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the light microscopy. Release studies were performed in a dissolution apparatus with a basket. Most of the formulations were enteric coated. The dissolution profiles showed a delayed or sustained release with a lagtime of at least 4 h. Dissolution profiles of coated tablets with pure shellac had a very long lagtime ranging from 13 to 17.9 h and the slopes were quite high. The duration of the lagtime and the slope of the dissolution profiles could be adjusted by adding the proper type of pectin to the shellac formulation and by variation of the coating amount. In order to apply a coating formulation as a colon delivery system, the prepared film should be resistant against gastric fluid for at least 2 h and against intestinal fluid for 4-6 h. The required delay time was gained with most of the shellac-pectin polymer mixtures. The release profiles were fitted with the modified model of the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation and the Hixson-Crowell model. A correlation coefficient (R²)> 0.99 was obtained by Korsmeyer-Peppas equation.
Abstract: Supersaturation of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract is one approach to increase the absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. The stabilization of a supersaturated state was achieved by adding precipitation inhibitors that may act through a variety of mechanisms. In this study, the effect of the natural gums, acacia, gelatin, pectin and tragacanth on curcumin supersaturation in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) (pH 1.2), fasted state simulated gastric fluid (FaSSGF) (pH 1.6), and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) (pH 6.8) was investigated. The results indicated that all natural gums significantly increased the curcumin solubility (about 1.2-6-fold) when compared to the absence of gum, and assisted in maintaining the supersaturated drug solution. Among the tested gums, pectin at 3% w/w was the best precipitation inhibitor with a significant increase in the degree of supersaturation about 3-fold in SGF, 2.4-fold in FaSSGF and 2-fold in SIF.
Abstract: In this research, the goal was construction of a system by which multiple sensors were used to observe the daily life behavior of persons living alone (while respecting their privacy), using this information to judge such conditions as bad physical condition or falling in the home, etc., so that these abnormal conditions can be made known to relatives and third parties. The daily life patterns of persons living alone are expressed by the number of responses of sensors each time that a set time period has elapsed. By comparing data for the prior two weeks, it was possible to judge a situation as “normal” when the person was in good physical condition or as “abnormal” when the person was in bad physical condition.
Abstract: Currently, the High voltage power supply for microwave generators with one magnetron uses a single-phase transformer with magnetic shunt. To contribute in the development of technological innovation in industry of manufacturing of power supplies of magnetrons for microwaves, ovens for domestic or industrial use, this original work treats the optimization of a new three-phase high voltage power supply for industrial microwaves generators with N magnetrons by phase (Treated case N=1), from its modeling with Matlab-Simulink. The design of this power supply uses three π quadruple models equivalents of new three-phase transformer with magnetic shunt of each phase. Every one supplies at its output a voltage doubler cell composed of a capacitor and a diode that in its output supplies only one magnetron.
In this work we will define a strategy that aims to reduce the volume of the transformer and the weight and cost of the entire system of the high voltage power supply, while respecting the conditions recommended by the manufacturer, concerning the current flowing in each magnetron: (Imax
Abstract: Prickly pear (Opuntia spp) fruit has received renewed
interest since it contains a betalain pigment that has an attractive
purple colour for the production of juice. Prickly pear juice was
prepared by homogenizing the fruit and treating the pulp with 48 g of
pectinase from Aspergillus niger. Titratable acidity was determined
by diluting 10 ml prickly pear juice with 90 ml deionized water and
titrating to pH 8.2 with 0.1 N NaOH. Brix was measured using a
refractometer and ascorbic acid content assayed
spectrophotometrically. Colour variation was determined
colorimetrically (Hunter L.a.b.). Hunter L.a.b. analysis showed that
the red purple colour of prickly pear juice had been affected by juice
treatments. This was indicated by low light values of colour
difference meter (CDML*), hue, CDMa* and CDMb* values. It was
observed that non-treated prickly pear juice had a high (colour
difference meter of light) CDML* of 3.9 compared to juice
treatments (range 3.29 to 2.14). The CDML* significantly (p
Abstract: For evaluating the severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), one is interested in inspecting the airway wall thickening due to inflammation. Although airway segmentations have being well developed to reconstruct in high order, airway wall segmentation remains a challenge task. While tackling such problem as a multi-surface segmentation, the interrelation within surfaces needs to be considered. We propose a new method for three-dimensional airway wall segmentation using spring structural active contour model. The method incorporates the gravitational field of the image and repelling force field of the inner lumen as the soft constraint and the geometric spring structure of active contour as the hard constraint to approximate a three-dimensional coupled surface readily for thickness measurements. The results show the preservation of topology constraints of coupled surfaces. In conclusion, our springy, soft-tissue-like structure ensures the globally optimal solution and waives the shortness following by the inevitable improper inner surface constraint.
Abstract: This paper presents an efficient algorithm for
optimization of radial distribution systems by a network
reconfiguration to balance feeder loads and eliminate overload
conditions. The system load-balancing index is used to determine the
loading conditions of the system and maximum system loading
capacity. The index value has to be minimum in the optimal network
reconfiguration of load balancing. A method based on Tabu search
algorithm, The Tabu search algorithm is employed to search for the
optimal network reconfiguration. The basic idea behind the search is
a move from a current solution to its neighborhood by effectively
utilizing a memory to provide an efficient search for optimality. It
presents low computational effort and is able to find good quality
configurations. Simulation results for a radial 69-bus system with
distributed generations and capacitors placement. The study results
show that the optimal on/off patterns of the switches can be identified
to give the best network reconfiguration involving balancing of
feeder loads while respecting all the constraints.
Abstract: The overall objective of this research is a strain
improvement technology for efficient pectinase production. A novel
cells cultivation technology by immobilization of fungal cells has
been studied in long time continuous fermentations. Immobilization
was achieved by using of new material for absorption of stores of
immobilized cultures which was for the first time used for
immobilization of microorganisms. Effects of various conditions of
nitrogen and carbon nutrition on the biosynthesis of pectolytic
enzymes in Aspergillus awamori 1-8 strain were studied. Proposed
cultivation technology along with optimization of media components
for pectinase overproduction led to increased pectinase productivity
in Aspergillus awamori 1-8 from 7 to 8 times. Proposed technology
can be applied successfully for production of major industrial
enzymes such as α-amylase, protease, collagenase etc.
Abstract: Synthetic juice clarification was done through spiral
wound ultrafiltration (UF) membrane module. Synthetic juice was
clarified at two different operating conditions, such as, with and
without permeates recycle at turbulent flow regime. The performance
of spiral wound ultrafiltration membrane was analyzed during
clarification of synthetic juice. Synthetic juice was the mixture of
deionized water, sucrose and pectin molecule. The operating
conditions are: feed flowrate of 10 lpm, pressure drop of 413.7 kPa
and Reynolds no of 5000. Permeate sample was analyzed in terms of
volume reduction factor (VRF), viscosity (Pa.s), ⁰Brix, TDS (mg/l),
electrical conductivity (μS) and turbidity (NTU). It was observe that
the permeate flux declined with operating time for both conditions of
with and without permeate recycle due to increase of concentration
polarization and increase of gel layer on membrane surface. For
without permeate recycle, the membrane fouling rate was faster
compared to with permeate recycle. For without permeate recycle,
the VRF rose up to 5 and for with recycle permeate the VRF is 1.9.
The VRF is higher due to adsorption of solute (pectin) molecule on
membrane surface and resulting permeateflux declined with VRF.
With permeate recycle, quality was within acceptable limit. Fouled
membrane was cleaned by applying different processes (e.g.,
deionized water, SDS and EDTA solution). Membrane cleaning was
analyzed in terms of permeability recovery.
Abstract: Microwave heating process has been developed about sixty years while measurement system has also progressed. Because of irradiation of high frequency of microwave, researchers have been utilized many costly technical instrument measuring parameters to evaluate the performance of microwave heating system. Therefore, this paper is intended to present an easier and feasible efficiency measurement method. It can help inspecting efficiency of microwave heating system with good accuracy, while the method can also give reference to optimizing procedure for microwave heating system for various load material
Abstract: For the past couple of decades Weak signal detection
is of crucial importance in various engineering and scientific
applications. It finds its application in areas like Wireless
communication, Radars, Aerospace engineering, Control systems and
many of those. Usually weak signal detection requires phase sensitive
detector and demodulation module to detect and analyze the signal.
This article gives you a preamble to intrusion detection system which
can effectively detect a weak signal from a multiplexed signal. By
carefully inspecting and analyzing the respective signal, this
system can successfully indicate any peripheral intrusion. Intrusion
detection system (IDS) is a comprehensive and easy approach
towards detecting and analyzing any signal that is weakened and
garbled due to low signal to noise ratio (SNR). This approach
finds significant importance in applications like peripheral security
systems.
Abstract: In this study, a new procedure for inspecting damages on LNG storage tanks was proposed with the use of structural diagnostic techniques: i.e., nondestructive inspection techniques such as macrography, the hammer sounding test, the Schmidt hammer test, and the ultrasonic pulse velocity test, and destructive inspection techniques such as the compressive strength test, the chloride penetration test, and the carbonation test. From the analysis of all the test results, it was concluded that the LNG storage tank cover was in good condition. Such results were also compared with the Korean concrete standard specifications and design values. In addition, the remaining life of the LNG storage tank was estimated by using existing models. Based on the results, an LNG storage tank cover performance evaluation procedure was suggested.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of
texturizers on the rheological properties of the apple mass and
desserts made from various raw materials. The apple varieties -
‘Antonovka’, ‘Baltais Dzidrais’, and ‘Zarja Alatau’ harvested in
Latvia, were used for the experiment. The apples were processed in a
blender unpeeled for obtaining a homogenous mass. The apple mass
was analyzed fresh and after storage at –18ºC. Both fresh and thawed
apple mass samples with added gelatin, xantan gum, and sodium
carboxymethylcellulose were whisked obtaining dessert. Pectin, pH
and soluble dry matter of the product were determined. Apparent
viscosity was measured using a rotational viscometer DV–III Ultra.
Pectin content in frozen apple mass decreased significantly (p
Abstract: Prickly pear juice has received renewed attention with regard to the effects of processing and preservation on its sensory qualities (colour, taste, flavour, aroma, astringency, visual browning and overall acceptability). Juice was prepared by homogenizing fruit and treating the pulp with pectinase (Aspergillus niger). Juice treatments applied were sugar addition, acidification, heat-treatment, refrigeration, and freezing and thawing. Prickly pear pulp and juice had unique properties (low pH 3.88, soluble solids 3.68 oBrix and high titratable acidity 0.47). Sensory profiling and descriptive analyses revealed that non-treated juice had a bitter taste with high astringency whereas treated prickly pear was significantly sweeter. All treated juices had a good sensory acceptance with values approximating or exceeding 7. Regression analysis of the consumer sensory attributes for non-treated prickly pear juice indicated an overwhelming rejection, while treated prickly pear juice received overall acceptability. Thus, educed favourable sensory responses and may have positive implications for consumer acceptability.
Abstract: This study numerically investigates the effects of Electrohydrodynamic on flow patterns and heat transfer enhancement within a cavity which is on the lower wall of channel. In this simulation, effects of using ground wire and ground plate on the flow patterns are compared. Moreover, the positions of electrode wire respecting with ground are tested in the range of angles θ = 0 - 180o. High electrical voltage exposes to air is 20 kV. Bulk mean velocity and temperature of inlet air are controlled at 0.1 m/s and 60 OC, respectively. The result shows when electric field is applied, swirling flow is appeared in the channel. In addition, swirling flow patterns in the main flow of using ground plate are widely spreader than that of using ground wire. Moreover, direction of swirling flow also affects the flow pattern and heat transfer in a cavity. These cause the using ground wire to give the maximum temperature and heat transfer higher than using ground plate. Furthermore, when the angle is at θ = 60o, high shear flow effect is obtained. This results show high strength of swirling flow and effective heat transfer enhancement.
Abstract: The characterisation of agro-wastes fibres for composite applications from Nigeria using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been done. Fibres extracted from groundnut shell, coconut husk, rice husk, palm fruit bunch and palm fruit stalk are processed using two novel cellulose fibre production methods developed by the authors. Cellulose apparent crystallinity calculated using the deconvolution of the diffractometer trace shows that the amorphous portion of cellulose was permeable to hydrolysis yielding high crystallinity after treatment. All diffratograms show typical cellulose structure with well-defined 110, 200 and 040 peaks. Palm fruit fibres had the highest 200 crystalline cellulose peaks compared to others and it is an indication of rich cellulose content. Surface examination of the resulting fibres using SEM indicates the presence of regular cellulose network structure with some agglomerated laminated layer of thin leaves of cellulose microfibrils. The surfaces were relatively smooth indicating the removal of hemicellulose, lignin and pectin.