A modified genetic algorithm for forecasting fuzzy time series

Fuzzy time series approaches are used when observations of time series contain uncertainty. Moreover, these approaches do not require the assumptions needed for traditional time series approaches. Generally, fuzzy time series methods consist of three stages, namely, fuzzification, determination of fuzzy relations, and defuzzification. Artificial intelligence algorithms are frequently used in these stages with genetic algorithms being the most popular of these algorithms owing to their rich operators and good performance. However, the mutation operator of a GA may cause some negative results in the solution set. Thus, we propose a modified genetic algorithm to find optimal interval lengths and control the effects of the mutation operator. The results of applying our new approach to real datasets show superior forecasting performance when compared with those obtained by other techniques.     

A Study on Glutaric Acid Extraction by Tridodecylamine: Equilibria and Models

The extraction of glutaric acid was studied using tridodecyl amine (TDA) with respect to the functional groups of the diluent. The diluents studied were 1‐octanol (alcohol), methyl isobuthyl ketone, MIBK (ketone), and toluene (aromatic hydrocarbon) and these were used to dilute the TDA. The experimental results of batch extraction experiments are reported as distribution coefficients, D_C, loading factors, Z, and extraction efficiency, E. All measurements were carried out at 298.15 K. The results of the liquid‐liquid equilibrium measurements are correlated by a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) model that takes into account physical interactions and modified Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The experimental results are compared with model results.     

Investigation of current‐voltage characteristics and current conduction mechanisms in composites of polyvinyl alcohol and bismuth oxide

Temperature dependent current‐voltage (I–V) measurements of Au/Polyvinyl Alcohol + Bi₂O₃/n‐Si structure were conducted between 100 and 350 K for investigating the temperature dependence of I–V characteristics and current conduction mechanisms in the structure. Series resistance of the structure is calculated using Ohm's law and Cheungs' method. Ideality factor (n) and zero‐bias barrier height (Φ_Bo) were obtained considering thermionic emission theory. From 100 to 350 K, n changed from 32.1 to 3.54, and Φ_Bo changed from 0.27 to 0.99 eV. Obtained temperature dependent values of n and Φ_Bo suggested that thermionic emission is not the dominant current conduction mechanism. Therefore, Ln(I)–Ln(V) curves of the studied structure were plotted for investigating current conduction mechanisms in the structure and current flow is explained considering space charge limited current. Moreover, density of interface states (D_it) in the structure were calculated and its temperature dependence was investigated such that D_it values are reduced to the order of ～10¹³ eV^?1 cm^?2 from ～10¹⁴ eV^?1 cm^?2 with increasing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1811–1816, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A Review of Dehydration of Various Industrial Sludges

Wastewater characteristics and sludge generation potential of point source categories are reviewed critically. Novel industry-specific sludge dewatering/drying solutions necessary to establish a sustainable model are examined through a detailed literature survey. Knowledge of sludge properties is one of the most critical issues needed to design dewatering/drying equipment. This study focuses on industrial wastewater/sludge characterization. In addition, a comprehensive review of current drying models and technologies is also presented. A summary of the results derived from a novel thin-film-based photonic sludge dewatering/drying study is outlined as an alternative approach for industrial sludge control. Sludge was dried in a tubular quartz reactor (TQR), the inner surface of which was coated with a TiO₂ thin film. The TQR was irradiated with UV A, UV B, and UV C lamps. The consumed and generated energy fluxes through endergonic and exergonic reactions driven by photolysis and photocatalysis were investigated. In addition, the variations in sludge dewatering/drying characteristics were also examined and compared with conventional methods to evaluate the energy requirements.     

The effects of temperature,radiation, and illumination on current–voltage characteristics of Au/PVA(Co,Zn-doped)/n-Si Schottky diodes

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/(Co-Ni) nanofiber film was fabricated on silicon wafer using electrospinning technique. The topography of the produced PVA/(Co-Ni) nanofiber film was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Au/Poly (vinyl alcohol) (Co, Ni-doped)/n-Si Schottky diode (SD) was thermally formed in evaporating system after the spinning process. At first, the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of Au/PVA (Co, Zn-doped)/n-Si SD was measured at the room temperature (300 K). For the investigating the effect of temperature, illumination and radiation on Au/PVA (Co, Zn-doped)/n-Si SD comparatively, the measurement was performed under the illumination intensity of 200 W, at 380K, and finally the radiation dose of 22 kGy respectively. The diode characteristics such as the zero-bias barrier height (ϕ_Bo), ideality factor (n) and series resistance (R_s) were calculated at room temperature and under the condition of high temperature, illumination, and radiation. It was found that these characteristics were affected by the illumination and radiation as well as the temperature. The density of interface states (N_ss) distribution profiles as a function of (E_c - E_ss) extracted from the forward I–V measurements were also affected by illumination and radiation even if just a bit. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Effects of sodium caseinate‐ and milk protein concentrate‐based edible coatings on the postharvest quality of Bing cherries

Bing cherries were coated with sodium caseinate‐ or milk protein concentrate‐based edible coatings. Besides the proteins (100 g kg^?1), the coating formulations also included glycerol (about 300 g kg^?1 protein) and either beeswax or a stearic–palmitic acid blend at a concentration of 0, 100 or 300 g lipid phase kg^?1 of protein. All coatings, especially those containing 300 g kg^?1 stearic–palmitic acid blend, successfully reduced water loss of the fruits. The edible coatings had a beneficial effect on the sensory quality of the cherries, and there were significant (p < 0.05) effects of the coating treatments on soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Magnesia stabilized zirconia doped with boron,ceria and gadolinia

In this study, magnesia stabilized zirconia based nanocrystalline ceramics were produced through a polymer precursor route using gadolinium and boron. The powders were characterized during the various steps by structural and morphological techniques (FT-IR, XRD, and SEM). XRD results proved that a tetragonal phase is predominant for all samples with varying magnesium contents and no monoclinic zirconia solid solution appears. The crystallite sizes of the samples were calculated using Scherrer equation. The smallest crystallite size was obtained for the sample containing Zr/Mg/Ce/Gd/B ratio of 82/0/10/8/0. The lattice parameters were calculated for cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, and orthorhombic structures. SEM results show all the samples have spherical grains. The average grain diameters were calculated for all the samples. The smallest average grain diameter was obtained for the sample containing Zr/Mg/Ce/Gd/B ratio of 82/0/10/8/0.