HMOSHSSA: a hybrid meta-heuristic approach for solving constrained optimization problems

This paper proposes a novel hybrid multi-objective optimization algorithm named HMOSHSSA by synthesizing the strengths of Multi-objective Spotted Hyena Optimizer (MOSHO) and Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA). HMOSHSSA utilizes the exploration capability of MOSHO to explore the search space effectively and leader and follower selection mechanism of SSA to achieve global best solution with faster convergence. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on 24 benchmark test functions, and its performance is compared with seven well-known multi-objective optimization algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that HMOSHSSA acquires very competitive results and outperforms other algorithms in terms of convergence speed, search-ability and accuracy. Additionally, HMOSHSSA is also applied on seven well-known engineering problems to further verify its efficacy. The results reveal the effectiveness of proposed algorithm toward solving real-life multi-objective optimization problems.

     

Biodiesel from mutton fat using KOH impregnated MgO as heterogeneous catalysts

The use of MgO impregnated with KOH as heterogeneous catalysts for the transesterification of mutton fat with methanol has been evaluated. The mutton fat (fat) with methanol (1:22 M ratio) at 65 °C showed > 98% conversion to biodiesel with 4 wt% of MgO–KOH-20¹ (MgO impregnated with 20 wt% of KOH) in 20 min. The reaction conditions optimized were; the amount of KOH impregnation (5–20 wt%), the amount of catalyst (1.5–4 wt%, catalyst/fat), the reaction temperature (45–65 °C), fat to methanol molar ratio (1:11–1:22) and the effect of addition of water/oleic acid/palmitic acid (upto 1 wt%). Although, transesterification of fresh fat (moisture content 0.02 wt% and free fatty acids 0.002 wt%) with methanol in the presence of KOH (homogenous catalyst) resulted in the complete conversion to biodiesel, but in the presence of additional 1 wt% of either free fatty acid or moisture content, formation of soap was observed. The MgO–KOH-20 catalyst was found to tolerate additional 1 wt% of either the moisture or FFAs in the fat.     

Modeling threats

This paper discusses the prior information of choosing model parameters for constant threat from well planned, sophisticated and coordinated terrorist operations against geographically diverse targets, which causes significant loss to human life and property. A semiautomated model-based tool to detect and track terrorist activity are developed based on the analysis of prior terrorist attacks through the clues about the enabling events and the information from open sources. A pattern of transactions is a potential realization and prediction of a possible terrorist event. The HMMs is a stochastic model used to detect the monitored terrorist activity and measure local threat levels. The Bayesian network probabilistic model is well-suited for modelling the global threats and for computing/assessing the overall threat. Optimization techniques can be used to allocate counter terrorism resources and software to track multiple terrorist activities using multitarget tracking algorithms for intelligence analysis.     

Microwave Processing of Materials and Applications in Manufacturing Industries: A Review

The main focused aim of developing new processing and manufacturing technologies are to reduce production or manufacturing costs, processing times, and to enhance manufactured product properties. The developed processing techniques should be widely acceptable for all types of materials including metal matrix composites, ceramics, alloys, and fiber reinforced plastics. Microwave materials processing is emerging as a novel processing technology which is applicable to a wide variety of materials system including processing of MMC, FRP, alloys, ceramics, metals, powder metallurgy, material joining, coatings, and claddings. In comparison to the conventional processes, microwave processing of materials offers better mechanical properties with reduced defects and economical advantages in terms of power and time savings. The present review work focuses mainly on global developments taking place in the field of microwave processing of materials and their relevant industrial applications.     

Assessment of the microbiological safety of edible dried seeds from retail premises in the United Kingdom with a focus on Salmonella spp.

Sesame seed products have recently been associated with a number of Salmonella outbreaks in the UK and elsewhere. Aside from sesame seeds, there is little published information on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in edible seeds. A study of 3735 samples of retail edible dried seeds in the UK was therefore carried out between October 2007 and March 2008 to assess their microbiological safety in relation to Salmonella contamination and levels of Escherichia coli, an indicator of faecal contamination. Overall, Salmonella was detected in 23 samples (0.6%), of which over half (57%) were sesame seeds. Other seeds contaminated with Salmonella were linseed (1 sample), sunflower (1 sample), alfalfa (1 sample), melon (4 samples) and mixed seeds (3 samples). E. coli was detected in 9% of samples, with 1.5% containing unsatisfactory levels (≥10²/g). These included melon, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, poppy, linseed, sunflower and mixed seeds. The UK retailers affected by the detection of Salmonella in their products recalled the contaminated batches, and Food Standards Agency food alerts were issued to advise against the consumption of affected seed products. This study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and effective decontamination procedures during the production of these products.     

Wastewater from monosodium glutamate industry as a low cost fertilizer source for corn (Zea mays L.)

Nitrogen rich wastewater from monosodium glutamate industry (MSG) and paper-mill wastewater were used in this study as low cost fertilizers for growing corn, a common fuel crop. Detailed characterization of the wastewaters and toxicity testes were conducted to assure the safety of these wastewaters. In a greenhouse pot experiment, effects of these wastewaters on corn growth and biomass yield along with the soil properties were evaluated. MSG-wastewater was applied at three rates i.e., zero, 5 m³ ha⁻¹ and 7.5 m³ ha⁻¹ and paper-mill wastewater was applied at and zero, 3.5 m³ ha⁻¹ and 5 m³ ha⁻¹ in a complete randomized blocks design experiment. Significant increase in the corn biomass yield was observed in all the wastewater treatments compared to the Control. Both these wastewaters did not show any adverse effects on plant. N-use efficiency from the MSG-wastewater was comparable to urea-N application. This study emphasizes on sustainable practices for energy crop production by utilizing wastewaters as fertilizer sources. Hence, we report for the first time that the MSG-wastewater can be used for growing corn as a low cost green practice without adverse affects on the soil properties.     

Processing of Ni-WC-8Co MMC casting through microwave melting

The melting and casting of nickel-based powder metal matrix composites (MMCs) through microwave energy is carried out in the present work. The nickel powder was mixed with 5% and 10% volume fraction of the WC-8Co reinforcement powder and processed in a microwave oven at 2.45?GHz and 900?W. The developed castings revealed complete melting of the nickel powder within 25 minutes of microwave exposure. The processing mechanism of MMC castings through microwave is explained and the developed castings were subjected to the microstructure and mechanical characterizations. The results of XRD analysis revealed the formation of some hard intermetallics such as NiSi and Cr₂₃C₆. The back-scattered scanning electron microscopy images of castings microstructures revealed the formation of nearly equiaxed grains of the matrix. It was observed that WC particles within the matrix were in agglomerated patterns, which were randomly dispersed. The presence of hard phases of WC reinforcement and formed intermetallic carbides enhanced the microhardness (788?±?52?HV) of the developed composites.     

Influence of Thermal Treatment and Fe-Loading on Morphology,Crystal Structure,and Photocatalytic Activity of Sodium Titanate Nanotubes

An understanding of collective influence of Fe-loading and calcination on changes in the crystal structure, morphology, phase composition, and photocatalytic activity of titanate-nanostructures is investigated here. Bare sodium-titanate nanotubes (TNT) having a BET-surface-area (S_BET) of 176 m² g^?1 were transformed to sodium-titanate nanorods (TNT(S)) of S_BET = 21 m² g^?1 when calcined at 800°C. Whereas, calcination of Fe-loaded-TNT at 800°C led to a variety of fragmented particles having different crystal structures, S_BET (21–39 m² g^?1), shape, and sizes (50–70 nm) attributed to the strain induced thermal-decomposition of TNT after Fe-loading. The comparative photocatalytic activity of as-prepared catalysts under UV-light irradiation was evaluated by photooxidation of naphthalene to CO₂, with the identification of its photoproduced intermediates by GC-MS analysis. These results are well explained in correlation with the surface area, size, and shape of as-prepared catalysts.