Response level crossing rate of a linear system excited by a partially specified Gaussian load process

The problem of determining the maximum mean response level crossing rate of a linear system driven by a partially specified Gaussian load process has been considered. The partial specification of the load is given only in terms of its total average energy. The critical input power spectral (PSD) function, which maximizes the mean response level crossing rate, is obtained. The critical input PSD turns out to be highly narrow-banded which fails to capture the erratic nature of the excitation. Consequently, the trade-off curve between the maximum mean response level crossing rate and the maximum disorder in the input process, quantified in terms of its entropy rate, has been generated. The method of Pareto optimization is used to tackle the conflicting objectives of the simultaneous maximization of the mean response level crossing rate and the input entropy rate. The non-linear multi-objective optimization has been carried out using a recently developed multi-criteria genetic algorithm scheme. Illustrative example of determining the critical input of an axially vibrating rod, excited by a partially specified stationary Gaussian load process, has been considered.     

Additive manufacturing in the spare parts supply chain

As additive manufacturing (AM) evolves to become a common method of producing final parts, further study of this computer integrated technology is necessary. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the potential impact of additive manufacturing improvements on the configuration of spare parts supply chains. This goal has been accomplished through scenario modeling of a real-life spare parts supply chain in the aeronautics industry. The spare parts supply chain of the F-18 Super Hornet fighter jet was selected as the case study because the air-cooling ducts of the environmental control system are produced using AM technology. In total, four scenarios are investigated that vary the supply chain configurations and additive manufacturing machine specifications. The reference scenario is based on the spare parts supplier's current practice and the possible future decentralization of production and likely improvements in AM technology. Total operating cost, including downtime cost, is used to compare the scenarios. We found that using current AM technology, centralized production is clearly the preferable supply chain configuration in the case example. However, distributed spare parts production becomes practical as AM machines become less capital intensive, more autonomous and offer shorter production cycles. This investigation provides guidance for the development of additive manufacturing machines and their possible deployment in spare parts supply chains. This study contributes to the emerging literature on AM deployment in supply chains with a real-world case setting and scenario model illustrating the cost trade-offs and critical requirements for technology development.     

Catalytic reduction of 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine by cuttlebone supported Pd NPs prepared using Conium maculatum leaf extract

A facile and green process to synthesise cuttlebone supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs/cuttlebone) is reported using Conium maculatum leaf extract and in the absence of chemical solvents and hazardous materials. The antioxidant content of the C. maculatum leaf extract played a significant role in converting Pd²⁺ ions to Pd NPs. Various techniques were used for the characterisation of the Pd NPs/cuttlebone such as field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. This Pd NPs/cuttlebone showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine to 2,4‐diaminophenylhydrazine by sodium borohydride as the source of hydrogen at ambient condition. The catalyst could be separated and recycled up to five cycles with no loss of its activity.Inspec keywords: catalysis, catalysts, chemical engineering, palladium, nanoparticles, field emission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray chemical analysis, sodium compounds, ultraviolet spectroscopy, visible spectroscopyOther keywords: catalytic reduction, 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine, cuttlebone, Conium maculatum leaf extract, green process, palladium nanoparticles, antioxidant content, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, 2,4‐diaminophenylhydrazine, sodium borohydride     

Complexity and design of QoS routing algorithms in wireless mesh networks

Quality of service (QoS) provisioning in wireless mesh networks (WMNs) is an open issue to support emerging multimedia services. In this paper, we study the problem of QoS provisioning in terms of end-to-end bandwidth allocation in WMNs. It is challenging due to interferences in the networks. We consider widely used interference models and show that except a few special cases, the problem of finding a feasible path is NP-complete under the models. We propose a k-shortest path based algorithmic framework to solve this problem. We also consider the problem of optimizing network performance by on-line dynamic routing, and adapt commonly used conventional QoS routing metrics to be used in WMNs. We find the optimal solutions for these problems through formulating them as optimization models. A model is developed to check the existence of a feasible path and another to find the optimal path for a demand; moreover, an on-line optimal QoS routing algorithm is developed. Comparing the algorithms implemented by the proposed framework with the optimization models shows that our solution can find existing feasible paths with high probability, efficiently optimizes path lengths, and has a comparable performance to the optimal QoS routing algorithm. Furthermore, our results show that contrary to wireline networks, minimizing resource consumption should be preferred over load distribution even in lightly loaded WMNs.     

Analytical layerwise free vibration analysis of circular/annular composite sandwich plates with auxetic cores

In the present research, free vibration of circular and annular sandwich plates with auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) cores and isotropic/orthotropic face sheets is investigated for different combinations of the boundary conditions. To ensure that the results are accurate and reliable, a global–local layerwise plate theory is employed instead of the traditional equivalent single-layer theories. The governing equations are derived based on Hamilton’s principle and solved using a Taylor transform whose center is located at the outer radius of the plate. Due to this hint, the resulting semi-analytical solution can be employed for both circular and annular sandwich plates. After investigation of vibration behavior of a single-layer annular auxetic plate, a comprehensive parametric study including evaluation of effects of the auxeticity for sandwich plates with isotropic and orthotropic face sheets, symmetric and asymmetric layups, different core to sheet thickness, radius to thickness, and inner to outer radius ratios, and various boundary conditions, is carried out. Results show that unlike the single-layer auxetic plates that exhibit a transition state, the auxeticity may considerably increase the natural frequencies and rigidities of the circular/annular sandwich plates, especially when the boundary conditions induce higher rigidity in the plate or when the fibers are along the radial direction. Accuracy of results of the employed layerwise theory and the proposed semi-analytical solution is verified by comparing the results with those of the three-dimensional theory of elasticity extracted from the ABAQUS software.     

Gastroprotective effects of herbal medicines (roots)

Herbal medicines are now commonly used all over the world and this has increased global demand. Quality, safety, and efficacy of these drugs have become a serious concern. This review presents the medicinal plants cited in folklore that are used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers. Electronic databases, that is, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to identify the gastroprotective effects of each plant. Ethnopharmacological studies have reported various botanical products with antiulcer activities, but there has been limited scientific research, presenting clinical data to validate the efficacy and safety of medicinal herbs as gastroprotective agents. Most studies centered on pharmacological properties of medicinal herbs as used animals models. This information has prompted us to compile a list of the medicinal herbs cited in folklore with gastroprotective activity.     

Chemical composition,antioxidative capacity and interactive antimicrobial potency of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad essential oil and antimicrobial agents against selected food‐related microorganisms

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidative activity of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad essential oil. The oil was analysed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty‐eight constituents were identified. The oxygenated monoterpenes (78.22%) were the principal compound group. Among them, carvacrol (53.86%) and thymol (19.84%) were the most abundant constituents. The oil exhibited an acceptable antimicrobial activity against most of the tested microorganisms. The checkerboard method was applied to determine fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) to interpret the synergetic, additive, indifference or antagonistic interactions between essential oil and each of antimicrobials (lysozyme, ciprofloxacin, fluconazole and amphotericin B) against food‐related microorganisms. The synergetic phenomenon (FICI ≤ 0.5) was observed in majority of combinations with the exception of the essential oil and lysozyme. The oil exhibited good 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 28.71 μg mL^?1). Also, the oil had strong antioxidative activity in β‐carotene‐linoleic acid assay relative antioxidant activity (RAA% = 95.45). This study demonstrated that the essential oil has beneficial biological properties and its simultaneous application with standard antimicrobials against food‐related microorganisms result in reduction in inhibitory doses of the antimicrobials in vitro.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of Co3O4 nanosheets and its application in photoelectrochemical water splitting

In this study, Co₃O₄ nanosheets were synthesized through hydrothermal method using cobalt nitrate hexahydrate. X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were applied to investigate the properties of as-synthesized samples. Ultimately, the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties were evaluated by Mott–Schottky analysis and measuring photoconversion efficiency of Co₃O₄ nanosheets. The results indicated that Co₃O₄ nanosheets exhibited a maximum efficiency of 0.92% for water electrolysis under simulated 1.5 global sunlight air mass, which further suggests the excellent potential of Co₃O₄ nanosheets for application in hydrogen generation through photocatalytic water splitting.