Grain mapping to freeform surface for machining using parameter-based incremental tracking method

This paper presents a novel method for mapping a texture for machining onto a freeform surface. When a grain texture designed on a 2D plane is projected onto a freeform surface simply, the texture is distorted along the curvature of the surface in the projection direction. Therefore, a method is required to suppress this distortion. The algorithm proposed in this paper rapidly generates a point cloud that represents a texture with less distortion on a simply connected parametric surface. Specifically, four equations that express local geometry constraints instead of conventional parameterization methods are presented to reduce the distortion between adjacent points on the point cloud. Solving these equations can generate grain textures on freeform surfaces. This paper examines two grain images mapped to two freeform surfaces that were prepared as case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Preparation of CaO granules using the granulation method

ABSTRACT

Improving the hydration resistance of CaO particle in manufacturing and application of free CaO-containing materials has practical significance. In this study, CaO granules was made from Ca(OH)₂ particles, which were fabricated by the granulation method. The results showed that the hydration resistance of the CaO granules which was prepared under 1700?r?min^?1 was the best, the CaO granules was sintered well in calcination process, the shell of CaO granules was relatively dense, which improves the hydration resistance of CaO granules, and the rate of hydration weight increment was 0.58% after placed in the air for 20 days under a temperature of 10–14°C and a relative humidity of 57–81%.     

Estimation of the Stress-Strength Reliability for Exponentiated Pareto Distribution Using Median and Ranked Set Sampling Methods

In reliability analysis, the stress-strength model is often used to describe the life of a component which has a random strength (X) and is subjected to a random stress (Y). In this paper, we considered the problem of estimating the reliability R=P [Y<X] when the distributions of both stress and strength are independent and follow exponentiated Pareto distribution. The maximum likelihood estimator of the stress strength reliability is calculated under simple random sample, ranked set sampling and median ranked set sampling methods. Four different reliability estimators under median ranked set sampling are derived. Two estimators are obtained when both strength and stress have an odd or an even set size. The two other estimators are obtained when the strength has an odd size and the stress has an even set size and vice versa. The performances of the suggested estimators are compared with their competitors under simple random sample via a simulation study. The simulation study revealed that the stress strength reliability estimates based on ranked set sampling and median ranked set sampling are more efficient than their competitors via simple random sample. In general, the stress strength reliability estimates based on median ranked set sampling are smaller than the corresponding estimates under ranked set sampling and simple random sample methods.     

Cost-minimization analysis of a working vacation queue with N-policy and server breakdowns

This paper investigates the N-policy M/M/1 queueing system with working vacation and server breakdowns. As soon as the system becomes empty, the server begins a working vacation. The server works at a lower service rate rather than completely stopping service during a vacation period. The server may break down with different breakdown rates during the idle, working vacation, and normal busy periods. It is assumed that service times, vacation times, and repair times are all exponentially distributed. We analyze this queueing model as a quasi-birth–death process. Furthermore, the equilibrium condition of the system is derived for the steady state. Using the matrix-geometric method, we find the matrix-form expressions for the stationary probability distribution of the number of customers in the system and system performance measures. The expected cost function per unit time is constructed to determine the optimal values of the system decision variables, including the threshold N and mean service rates. We employ the particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the optimization problem. Finally, numerical results are provided, and an application example is given to demonstrate the applicability of the queueing model.     

Design and Fabrication of Concentration‐Gradient Generators with Two and Three Inlets in Microfluidic Chips

A simple and low‐cost method for designing and fabricating concentration‐gradient generators with two and three inlets is proposed which can generate different concentration gradients at varying flow velocities. The microchannel structure was designed in S‐shape and left‐right symmetry. The concentration‐gradient generator was simulated based on the finite element method. The microchannels were processed on a computer numerical control (CNC) engraving and milling machine on poly(methylmethacrylate) substrate, and then two concentration‐gradient generators were fabricated by hot bonding technology. The results of experiment and simulation were compared to prove the feasibility of the method. Flow velocity was an important factor for generating different concentration gradients. The concentration‐gradient profiles of the generators with two and three inlets present approximately linear and quadratic curves.     

综合改进奇异谱分解和奇异值分解的齿轮故障特征提取方法

针对齿轮故障特征微弱，在强背景噪声下难以有效提取的问题，提出了一种改进奇异谱分解（ISSD）结合奇异值分解（SVD）的齿轮故障特征提取方法。针对奇异谱分解（SSD）算法中模态参数需凭经验选取的缺陷，基于散布熵优化算法对SSD算法进行了改进，在得到既定的一组奇异谱分量的基础上，根据峭度值最大准则筛选出了最佳奇异谱分量并进行了SVD处理，采用奇异值能量标准谱自适应地确定了信号重构阶数以还原信号和提高降噪效果。最后对信号进行包络解调以提取齿轮故障特征，将所提方法运用到仿真信号和齿轮实测信号中，并同传统包络谱、SSD包络谱以及经验模态分解结合SVD(EMD-SVD)方法进行了对比分析，结果表明，所提方法的降噪和特征提取效果更佳，能够更加有效地实现齿轮故障的判别。     

Multiplex PCR system to track authorized and unauthorized genetically modified soybean events in food and feed

A diverse range of genetic elements has been used to develop genetically modified organisms (GMOs) over the last 18 years. Screening methods that target few elements, such as the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter (P-35S) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens nopaline terminator (T-nos), are not sufficient to screen GMOs. In the present study, a multiplex PCR system for all globally commercialized GM soybean events was developed to easily trace the events. For this purpose, screening elements of 24 GM soybean events were investigated and 9 screening targets were selected and divided into three individual triplex PCR systems: P-35S, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit promoter of Arabidopsis thaliana, T-nos, T-35S, pea E9 terminator, open reading frame 23 terminator of A. tumefaciens, proteinase inhibitor II terminator of potato, acetohydroxy acid synthase large subunit terminator of A. thaliana, and the revealed 3′ flanking sequences of DP-305423-1. The specificity of the assays was confirmed using thirteen GM soybean events as the respective positive/negative controls. The limit of detection of each multiplex set, as determined using certified reference materials of specific GM events, ranged from 0.03 to 0.5%, depending upon target. Furthermore, 26 food samples that contained soybean ingredients, which were purchased from the USA, China, Japan, and Korea, were analyzed, 17 of which contained one or more GM soybean events. These results suggest that the developed screening method can be used to efficiently track and identify 24 GM soybean events in food and feed.     

基于一种改进逐点比较插补法的激光打标机控制加工算法

在激光打标系统中,逐点比较插补法是一种普遍使用的算法。这种算法在控制激光运动轨迹和对图像轨迹的拟合过程中,起到极其重要的作用。由于逐点比较插补法具有运算直观,脉冲输出均匀,调节方便等特点,所以是一种较为适合打标机系统应用的插补算法。但是传统的逐点比较插补算法存在精度低和速度慢等问题。为了改善该算法的性能,对传统逐点比较插补算法进行了改进,并进行了计算和模拟仿真。结果表明改进比较插补算法在精度和速度上都有明显提高。     

Attitude-behaviour dissonance regarding the importance of food preservation for customers

The aim of the study was to identify the importance of individual food product attributes (the use of preservatives, processing method, shelf-life period and nutritional value) as well as their relation to the purchase behaviour. To achieve this, consumer preferences were decomposed in conditions of full access to information, and data was compared with actual consumer behaviour related to making purchasing decisions in front of the store shelf. Based on data from 338 respondents, conjoint analysis and repeated ANOVA measurements were carried out, allowing to eliminate individual behavioural patterns. The results showed a dissonance between the consumers attitudes towards the attributes and their shopping behaviour. The processing method was the most important declared attribute for consumers, meanwhile this information was the least searched for during purchase. At the same time, shelf-life period marked as the least important was the main information searched for by consumers when shopping. The results also show a clear dislike towards the use of microwaves as a preservation method, while traditional thermal preservation was marked as the most positive for consumers. In addition, consumers were classified into 3 heterogeneous groups, identifying differences in the preferences of food attributes. The obtained results have practical value relating not only to the preferences of individual attributes, but also to their various variants. The results can be a guide for companies to properly label food products. The indicated dissonance illustrates the educational gap and related insufficient motivation to get to know the product before buying it. This is extremely important in connection with technological development and new food processing methods.