Supply chain network design using an integrated neuro-fuzzy and MILP approach: A comparative design study

In this study, an integrated supply chain (SC) design model is developed and a SC network design case is examined for a reputable multinational company in alcohol free beverage sector. Here, a three echelon SC network is considered under demand uncertainty and the proposed integrated neuro-fuzzy and mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach is applied to this network to realize the design effectively. Matlab 7.0 is used for neuro-fuzzy demand forecasting and, the MILP model is solved using Lingo 10.0. Then Matlab 7.0 is used for artificial neural network (ANN) simulation to supply a comparative study and to show the applicability and efficiency of ANN simulation for this type of problem. By evaluating the output data, the SC network for this case is designed, and the optimal product flow between the factories, warehouses and distributors are calculated. Also it is proved that the ANN simulation can be used instead of analytical computations because of ensuring a simplified representation for this method and time saving.     

Effect of desensitizers on the microleakage of previously restored Class V resin composite restorations

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different desensitizers’ application on the microleakage of previously restored Class V composite resin restorations.

Materials and methods: Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 40 extracted human third molars. Forty box-shaped cavities were divided into four groups, based on the desensitizers used (n = 10). All teeth were restored with the same bonding agent and composite material. No desensitizer was applied in the control group. In the experimental groups, BisBlock, Gluma and Universal bonding agents were the desensitizers. The desensitizers were applied after completion of composite restorations according to manufacturers’ instructions. All specimens were then thermocycled at 5–55 °C, with a 10-s dwell time for 500 cycles. The samples were then immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye for 24 h, sectioned into two equal halves, evaluated for microleakage using a stereomicroscope at 30× magnification and scored on a scale of 0–3. The data were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test at the significance level p < 0.05.

Results: There were no significant differences in microleakage after desensitizer application (p > 0.05). However, based on the obtained numerical values in our study, while the BisBlock and bonding groups showed lower microleakage at the occlusal margin, BisBlock, Gluma and bonding group showed lower microleakage at the gingival margin compared to the control group.

Conclusions: The application of desensitizers as a post-treatment option could be considered an advisable procedure to minimize microleakage.     

Magnetic hydrophobic affinity nanobeads for lysozyme separation

N-Methacryloyl-l-phenylalanine (MAPA) containing poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) based magnetic [mag-poly(HEMA–MAPA)] nanobeads was prepared for lysozyme purification form chicken egg white. MAPA was synthesized by reacting methacryloyl chloride with l-phenylalanine methyl ester and provided hydrophobic functionality to the nanobeads. Size of mag-poly(HEMA–MAPA) nanobeads was 386 nm and obtained by surfactant free emulsion polymerization of HEMA and MAPA having a specific surface area of 580 m²/g. Mag-poly(HEMA–MAPA) nanobeads were characterized by FTIR, AFM, TEM, ESR, and elemental analysis. Lysozyme adsorption experiments were investigated under different conditions in batch system (i.e., medium pH, protein concentration, temperature, salt type). Lysozyme adsorption capacity of mag-poly(HEMA) and mag-poly(HEMA–MAPA) nanobeads from aqueous solutions was estimated as 24 and 517 mg/g, respectively. Lysozyme molecules were desorbed with 50% ethylene glycol solution with 98% recovery. It was observed that mag-poly(HEMA–MAPA) nanobeads can be used without significant decrease in lysozyme adsorption capacity after ten adsorption–desorption cycles. Mag-poly(HEMA–MAPA) nanobeads was used for the purification of lysozyme from chicken egg white. Purity of lysozyme was estimated by SDS-PAGE.     

Strays-insensitive switched-capacitor network realisation for nth-order voltage transfer functions

A general synthesis method is given for the realisation of nth-order voltage transfer functions in the z-domain by active SC (switched-capacitor) networks using only biphased switches, capacitors and ideal operational amplifiers. The method presented is based on signal-flow graphs and the resulting networks are completely insensitive to stray capacitances.     

Tensile Bond Strength of a Highly Cross-Linked Denture Tooth to the Compression-Molded and Injection-Molded Denture Base Polymers

This study compared tensile bond strengths between conventional compression-molded heat (HC)-, auto (AP)-, and microwave-polymerized (MC) poly(methyl methacrylate)-based denture resins and a relatively new injection-molded, microwave-polymerized polyurethane based resin (MI) bonded to a highly cross-linked denture tooth. In the first part of the experiments, denture teeth were used as received. In the second part, they were treated with dichloromethane to see its effect on bonding of conventional denture bases (HCS and APS). Bond strength was tested in tension according to ADA specification No.15. The results showed that the HC group failed cohesively because of higher interface bonding (49.95 MPa) compared with those of the others (AP: 25.41 MPa; MC: 22.06 MPa; MI: 20.02 MPa). The application of dichloromethane improved bond strengths of HCS and APS groups (60.61 and 32.03 MPa, respectively). It was suggested that dichloromethane could be applied on the denture teeth ridge lap area prior to denture base processing to enhance adhesion between the tooth/resin.     

Bond Strength of a Silicone Soft Lining Material to Poly(methyl methacrylate) Resin Treated with Maleic Anhydride and its Terpolymers

This study investigated the effectiveness of surface treatment of Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) denture base resin on tensile bond strength between PMMA/silicone-based soft liner. A total of 25 specimens were fabricated and assigned into five groups (n = 5). The surfaces of PMMA were treated with maleic anhydride, maleic anhydride-styrene-vinyl-acetate, n-butylmaleate-styrene-vinyl-acetate, or n-pentamaleate-styrene-vinyl-acetate prior to Primo adhesive primer application and silicone liner placement. The Primo adhesive primer on applied group untreated dentuse base resin served as control. The tensile test was performed using a universal testing machine. Fractured surfaces were observed under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and spectroscopic interpretation of the interfaces was done by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Test results showed that surface treatment increased interfacial strength giving the highest value for n-butylmaleate-styrene-vinyl acetate treated group. SEM micrographs revealed that the specimens with n-butylmaleate-styrene-vinyl-acetate and n-penta maleate-styrene-vinyl-acetate terpolymers underwent cohesive failure. FTIR analysis indicated secondary interactions such as hydrogen bonding, possibly on acrylic resin surfaces, caused by the use of maleic anhydride and its terpolymers, and the adhesive.     

Reliability-based design of blast-resistant composite laminates incorporating carbon nanotubes

Research efforts have reported on the ability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance the stiffness and strength of carbon fiber composites. Systematic design of blast-resistant composites requires considering CNTs–carbon composites characteristics and the uncertainty of blast events. This article suggests a systematic reliability-based design approach where system reliability is used to compute the probability of failure of a composite laminate. A case study for the design of a five-layer composite laminate incorporating CNTs and subjected to uncertain blast event is demonstrated. 0.5–1% CNTs contents by weight seem capable of significantly reducing the composite probability of failure during blast.     

A novel silk fibroin‐supported iron catalyst for hydroxylation of phenol

The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of silk fibroin (SF) as a catalyst support material for phenol hydroxylation reactions. Iron‐substituted silk fibroin fibers were prepared using formic acid at room temperature and characterized using inductively coupled plasma atomic‐emission spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical microscopy. Measurement of an FTIR spectrum showed that the secondary structure was β‐structure before and after iron substitution. To evaluate the catalytic properties of prepared catalyst, phenol hydroxylation reaction was carried out using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. An excellent transformation of phenol into dihydroxybenzenes (catechol and hydroquinone) was achieved. Phenol conversions of 3.3%, 61.2%, and 80.3% were obtained at room temperature, 40 °C and 60 °C respectively. It was found that no further phenol conversion proceeded because catalysts became separated from the reaction system during the reaction. No significant leaching of the iron was detected. Catalyst could be reused several times without a significant change in activity. Parent silk fibroin fibers without iron were inactive. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry