An integrated model for closed-loop supply chain configuration and supplier selection: Multi-objective approach

Reverse logistics consists of all operations related to the reuse of products. External suppliers are one of the important members of reverse logistics and closed loop supply chain (CLSC) networks. However in CLSC network configuration models, suppliers are assessed based on purchasing cost and other factors such as on-time delivery are ignored. In this research, a general closed loop supply chain network is examined that includes manufacturer, disassembly, refurbishing, and disposal sites. Meanwhile, it is managed by the manufacturer. We propose an integrated model which has two phases. In the first phase, a framework for supplier selection criteria in RL is proposed. Besides, a fuzzy method is designed to evaluate suppliers based on qualitative criteria. The output of this stage is the weight of each supplier according to each part. In the second phase, we propose a multi objective mixed-integer linear programming model to determine which suppliers and refurbishing sites should be selected (strategic decisions), and find out the optimal number of parts and products in CLSC network (tactical decisions). The objective functions maximize profit and weights of suppliers, and one of them minimizes defect rates. To our knowledge, this model is the first effort to consider supplier selection, order allocation, and CLSC network configuration, simultaneously. The mathematical programming model is validated through numerical analysis.     

Fault diagnosis and accommodation of nonlinear systems based on multiple-model adaptive unscented Kalman filter and switched MPC and H-infinity loop-shaping controller

In this paper, a new active fault tolerant control (AFTC) methodology is proposed based on a state estimation scheme for fault detection and identification (FDI) to deal with the potential problems due to possible fault scenarios. A bank of adaptive unscented Kalman filters (AUKFs) is used as a core of FDI module. The AUKF approach alleviates the inflexibility of the conventional UKF due to constant covariance set up, leading to probable divergence. A fuzzy-based decision making (FDM) algorithm is introduced to diagnose sensor and/or actuator faults. The proposed FDI approach is utilized to recursively correct the measurement vector and the model used for both state estimation and output prediction in a model predictive control (MPC) formulation. Robustness of the proposed FTC system, H_∞ optimal robust controller and MPC are combined via a fuzzy switch that is used for switching between MPC and robust controller such that FTC system is able to maintain the offset free behavior in the face of abrupt changes in model parameters and unmeasured disturbances. This methodology is applied on benchmark three-tank system; the proposed FTC approach facilitates recovery of the closed loop performance after the faults have been isolated leading to an offset free behavior in the presence of sensor/actuator faults that can be either abrupt or drift change in biases. Analysis of the simulation results reveals that the proposed approach provides an effective method for treating faults (biases/drifts in sensors/actuators, changes in model parameters and unmeasured disturbances) under the unified framework of robust fault tolerant control.     

Metal-electroceramic bonding in PZT through the selective application of laser energy

Ferrite powder has been directly bonded to the surface of poled lead zirconate titanate (PZT-4) using direct laser sintering. The resultant cohesion between the metal and ceramic is extremely good although care must be taken with the processing in order to limit the damage inflicted upon the PZT. Four point bending suggests that the strength of the processed samples has reduced to 60 MPa as compared to 76 MPa for the unprocessed ceramic. Electrical and piezoelectric measurements shows that the laser sintering had caused mechanical damage to a depth of 550 μm and thermal damage (depoling) to a depth of 800 μm.     

Recent developments in catalyst synthesis using DBD plasma for reforming applications

The catalyst has a significant role in gas processing applications such as reforming technologies for H₂ and syngas production. The stable catalyst is requisite for any industrial catalysis application to make it commercially viable. Several methods are employed to synthesize the catalysts. However, there is still a challenge to achieve a controlled morphology and pure catalyst which majorly influences the catalytic activity in reforming applications. The conventional methods are expansive, and the removal of the impurities are major challenges. Nevertheless, it is not straightforward to achieve the desired structure and stability. Therefore, significant interest has been developed on the advanced techniques to take control of the physicochemical properties of the catalyst through non-thermal plasma (NTP) techniques. In this review, the systematic evolution of the catalyst synthesis using NTP technique is elucidated. The emerging DBD plasma to synthesized and effective surface treatment is reviewed. DBD plasma synthesized catalyst performance in reforming application for H₂ and syngas production is summarised. Furthermore, the status of DBD plasma for catalyst synthesis and proposed future avenues to design environmentally suitable and cost-effective synthesis techniques are discussed.     

A non-contact method for part-based process performance monitoring in end milling operations

Surface response to excitation (SuRE) method was originally developed for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. SuRE was used to evaluate the performance of completed milling operations. The method generates surface waves on the plate and studies the spectrum changes at selected points to detect defects and change of compressive forces. In this study, the length, depth, and width of a slot were changed step by step. The surface of the aluminum plate was excited in the 20–400 kHz range with a piezoelectric element. A laser scanning vibrometer was used to monitor the vibrations at the predetermined grid points after the dimensions of the slot were changed methodically. The frequency spectrums of measured vibrations were calculated by using the Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). The sums of the squares of the differences (SSD) of the spectrums were calculated to evaluate the change of the spectrums. The SuRE method was able to determine if the dimensions were changed in each case at all the selected points. The scanning laser vibrometer is not feasible to be used at the shop floor. However, the study demonstrated that a piezoelectric element attached to any of the grid points would be able to evaluate the completed machining process.     

Recent advances in the production of γ‐valerolactone from biomass‐derived feedstocks via heterogeneous catalytic transfer hydrogenation

γ‐valerolactone (GVL) is an important intermediate chemical with a wide range of applications as fuel, fuel additive and as a green solvent which has received a great deal of attentions from both academia and industry. This review aims to summarise the advances in conversion of renewable feedstocks into GVL through heterogeneous catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) with a strong emphasis on discussing preparation, characterisation and performance of the catalysts in order to provide a better understanding of various catalytic systems and also to compare them in terms of catalytic performance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mathematical Modeling and Genetic Algorithm Optimization of Reactive Absorption of H2S

A rate‐based mathematical model was developed for the reactive absorption of H₂S in NaOH, with NaOCl or H₂O₂ as the chemical oxidant solutions in a packed column. A modified mass transfer coefficient in the gas phase was obtained by genetic algorithm and implemented in the model to correct the assumption of instantaneous reactions. The effects of different operating variables including the inlet H₂S concentration, inlet gas mass flux, initial NaOH, concentrations of the chemical oxidants in the scrubbing solutions, and liquid‐to‐gas ratio on the H₂S removal efficiency were studied. A genetic algorithm was employed to optimize the operating variables in order to obtain maximum removal efficiency of H₂S. The model results were in good agreement with the experimental data.     

Planar array of corrugated tapered slot antennas for ultrawideband biomedical microwave imaging system

A planar antenna array that includes 12 corrugated tapered slot elements for use in ultrawideband (UWB) biomedical microwave imaging systems is presented. The used corrugate tapered slot antenna has a compact size, low profile, moderate gain, and distortionless performance in the time domain. The array is immersed in a carefully designed matching liquid of suitable dielectric constant to improve the matching between the array and the imaged object, and thus, to increase the dynamic range of the imaging system. A suitable platform is designed and fabricated to accommodate the array, breast phantom, and a coupling liquid for the case of UWB breast imaging. The design of the whole system is optimized using trust‐region framework method in the simulation tool CST Microwave Studio. The performance of the designed array is confirmed via measurements in a realistic imaging environment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2013.     

Hypoglycemic effects of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) autolysates

Fat, alkaloid and polyphenol contents of two clones of cocoa (UIT1 and PBC 140) were removed and the remaining powder was autolyzed at pH 3.5 and 5.2. Based on the results, autolysates of UIT produced at pH 3.5 exhibited the highest ability to inhibit α-amylase activity. However, no α-glucosidase inhibition activity was observed under the conditions specified. Autolysates produced under pH 3.5 caused the highest amount of insulin secretion. In streptozotocin-diabetic rats, all cocoa autolysates significantly decreased blood glucose at 4 h. To assure that the results from the assays were not due to the polyphenols of cocoa autolysates qualitative and quantitative tests were applied. According to their results cocoa autolysates were found to be free from polyphenols. Analysis of amino acid composition revealed that cocoa autolysates were abundant in hydrophobic amino acids. It can be suggested that besides other compounds of cocoa, its peptides and amino acids could contribute to its health benefits.