Induction time,storage capacity,and rate of methane hydrate formation in the presence of SDS and silver nanoparticles

In this communication, the kinetic parameters of methane hydrate formation (induction time, quantity and rate of gas uptake, storage capacity (SC), and apparent rate constant) in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), synthetized silver nanoparticles (SNPs), and mixture of SDS?+?SNPs have been studied. Experimental measurements were performed at temperature of 273.65?K and initial pressure of 7?MPa in a 460?cm³ stirred batch reactor. Our results show that adding SDS, SNPs and their mixture increases the quantity of gas uptake, water to hydrate conversion, and SC of methane hydrate formation, noticeably. Using 300?ppm SDS increases the SC and the quantity of methane uptake 615, and 770%, respectively, compared with pure water. Investigating the hydrate growth rate at the start of hydrate formation process shows that, using SNPs, SDS, and their mixture increases the initial apparent rate constant of hydrate rate, considerably. Our results show that the system of methane?+?water?+?SDS 500?ppm?+?SNPs 45?µM represents the maximum value of initial apparent rate constant, compared with other tested systems.     

Synthesis of Vanadium Pentoxide Nanoparticles as Catalysts for the Ozonation of Palm Oil

Vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a solvo-thermal method and were characterized via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The ozonation of palm oil was performed by using vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles as catalysts to synthesize ethyl malonate. This procedure presented several advantages, such as simple operation for a precise ozonation, excellent yield, short reaction times and reusability because of the recyclability of palm oil. Ethyl malonate was synthesized via the one-step ozonolysis of palm oil and was spectroscopically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).     

ADC Multi-Site Test Based on a Pre-test with Digital Input Stimulus

This paper describes two novel algorithms based on the time-modulo reconstruction method intended for detection of the parametric faults in analogue-to-digital converters (ADC). In both algorithms, a pulse signal, in its slightly adapted form to allow sufficient time for converter settling, is taken as the test stimulus relieving the burden placed on the accuracy requirement of the excitation source. Instead of calculating the accurate conventional dynamic and static parameters, a signature result is obtained through the analysis of the output data in the time domain. The basic concept of the algorithms is the evaluation on the performance of ADCs by the comparison of the similarity of the output waveforms. The multi-site test is expensive for traditional specification-based tests of ADCs, as high quality analogue data generators are required. Based on these two algorithms, this paper proposes a solution for this problem. The objective of the test scheme is not to completely replace traditional specification-based tests, but to provide a reliable method for early identification of excessive parameter variations in production test that allows quickly discarding of most of the faulty circuits before performing a conventional test. The efficiency of the methods is validated on an industrial 12-bit pipelined ADC both in simulations and in measurements.     

An analytical solution for free vibration analysis of circular plates in axisymmetric modes based on the two variables refined plate theory

This paper presents, for the first time, an analytical solution for free vibrations of an isotropic circular plate in axisymmetric modes based on the two variables refined plate theory. This theory accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. Governing equations are derived using Hamilton’s principle and an analytical method on the basis of using Bessel functions is introduced to solve them. By this procedure, final form of the governing equations is obtained in matrix form. These equations are solved for classical boundary conditions and comparison studies are performed to verify the validity of the present results. It is found that the results obtained using RPT and TSDT are close to each other. As a benchmark, numerical results are presented in a dimensionless form for various values of thickness to radius ratio.     

An exhaustive criterion for estimating quality of images in electrical impedance tomography with application to clinical imaging

This study proposes a versatile criterion for estimating quality of images in electrical impedance tomography. The point spread function (PSF) is calculated throughout the domain based on the scattering of energy as responses to a small anomaly spirally moved from the centre to the boundary. The proposed PSF is a measure of weighted spatial variance (WSV) of the conductivity over the whole domain. For each element, the weighting factor is a normalized multiplication of the area of that element by its square intensity. The WSV collectively incorporates all image attributes, i.e., spatial resolution, artifact, amplitude response, positioning error and shape deformation. The location of artifacts, which significantly influences reconstructed images in reality, is taken into account as well. The results illustrate that the proposed measure is more tolerant than existing criteria in evaluating performance of EIT systems in both theory and practice.     

Tracking analysis of augmented complex least mean square algorithm

The augmented complex least mean‐square (ACLMS) algorithm is a suitable algorithm for the processing of both second‐order circular (proper) and noncircular (improper) signals. In this paper, we provide tracking analysis of the ACLMS algorithm in the non‐stationary environments. Using the established energy conservation argument, we derive a variance relation that contains moments that represent the effects of non‐stationary environment. We evaluate these moments and derive closed‐form expressions for the excess mean‐square error (EMSE) and mean‐square error (MSE). The derived expressions, supported by simulations, reveal that unlike the stationary case, the steady‐state EMSE, and MSE curves are not monotonically increasing functions of the step‐size parameter. We also use this observation to optimize the step‐size learning parameter. Simulation results illustrate the theoretical findings and match well with theory. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

CPTR: conditional probability tree based routing in opportunistic networks

In opportunistic networks due to the inconsistency of the nodes link, routing is carried out dynamically and we cannot use proactive routes. In these networks, nodes use opportunities gained based on store-carry-forward patterns to forward messages. Every node that receives a message when it encounters another node makes decision regarding the forwarding or not forwarding the node encountered. In some previous methods, the recognition of whether encounter with current node is considered as an appropriate opportunity or not has been carried out based on the comparison of the probability of carrier node and the node encountered. In these methods, if the message is delivered to the encountered node, a better opportunity would be lost. To fight with this challenge we have posed CPTR method by using conditional probability tree method through which in addition to the probability of the delivery of carrier and encountered nodes’ message delivery, the opportunities for after encounter will be involved in messages’ forwarding. Results of simulation showed that the proposed method can improve the ratio of delivery and delay of message delivery compared to other similar methods in networks with limited buffer.     

A comprehensive review on theoretical framework‐based electric vehicle consumer adoption research

Green vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs), are getting noteworthy popularity among consumers worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to establish EVs as a feasible long‐term solution for the future of technology in the vehicle industry, which can decrease the current dependency on fossil fuels and also decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a part of long‐term benefits, the adoption of EVs gives environmentally friendly innovation to society. Despite positive environmental implications, the total number of EVs in usage is still inadequate. One of the major causes of this insubstantial adoption of EVs is largely dependent on the perceptions of consumers regarding EVs. However, this particular research study offers an inclusive outline on the existing hurdles for consumer adoption of EVs as well as a framework of the theoretical standpoints that were developed for the adoption behaviour, in addition to considering consumer intentions in the direction of EVs. In this particular study, the researcher found that the literature regarding EV adoption tried to address only the diffusion method of EVs. Whereas this study highlights consumer innovations, which provides a wide insight on consumer emotions to overlook the major aspect in consumer EVs' adoption research. The theme of this particular literature can be implemented in order to better understand the consumers' emotions and behaviour towards the adoption of EVs. The scholars further stated that there is a possible cause for more recent developments within the technological adoption part that can assist to be a standard for upcoming developments. For the last few years, knowledge regarding the problems surrounding the adoption and diffusion of EVs has gained less attention. This study expands this line of research by focusing on making a chance for developing the theoretical frameworks in terms of adding emotions in a psychological perspective where consumer behaviour and ethics are considered. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discussion on “Enhancement of combined heat and power economic dispatch using self adaptive real-coded genetic algorithm,by P. Subbaraj et al., Applied Energy 86 (2009) 915–921.”

The paper studied by Subbaraj et al. (2009) considers the feasibility of using self adaptive real-coded genetic algorithm for enhancement of combined heat and power economic dispatch. The paper includes some problems about the considered feasible operating region. In this discussion, the controversial point of the paper are given.