Multi response optimisation of CNC turning parameters via Taguchi method-based response surface analysis

This study presents a new method to determine multi-objective optimal cutting conditions and mathematic models for surface roughness (Ra and Rz) on a CNC turning. Firstly, cutting parameters namely, cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate are designed using the Taguchi method. The AISI 304 austenitic stainless workpiece is machined by a coated carbide insert under dry conditions. The influence of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on the surface roughness is examined. Secondly, the model for the surface roughness, as a function of cutting parameters, is obtained using the response surface methodology (RSM). Finally, the adequacy of the developed mathematical model is proved by ANOVA. The results indicate that the feed rate is the dominant factor affecting surface roughness, which is minimized when the feed rate and depth of cut are set to the lowest level, while the cutting speed is set to the highest level. The percentages of error all fall within 1%, between the predicted values and the experimental values. This reveals that the prediction system established in this study produces satisfactory results, which are improved performance over other models in the literature. The enhanced method can be readily applied to different metal cutting processes with greater confidence.     

Comparison of Two Volatile Sampling Techniques Based on Different Loading Factors in Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds Released from Spoiled Raw Beef

Evaluation of meat volatiles is an increasing concern due to the development studies for spoilage sensors in order to inform consumers if meat spoiled or not. Since the reliable measuring of volatiles in headspace is important for designing a sensor, preconcentration techniques for meat matrix should be investigated. This study describes the effect of three sample amounts: total volume ratio (loading factors) with 0.025, 0.05, and 0.10 kg/L applied in two preconcentration sampling techniques: solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas flushing on Tenax with thermal desorption to explain the interactions and relationship between sample amount and extracted analytes for spoiled beef striploin. The ratio of the sample amount of beef meat in the chamber and the total volume of chamber is called as “loading factor”. The results showed that the volatile profiles did not vary significantly, but the levels were affected with the extraction technique and loading factor. The volatile organic compounds identified in the early stages of meat spoilage include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and amine compounds. While amines were measured only with Tenax, ethyl acetate was detected only with SPME. The total peak area of volatiles with Tenax (~390 × 10^?6 AU at 0.05 kg/L) were higher than SPME sampling (~290 × 10^?6 AU at 0.05 kg/L) in each loading factor. Although optimum loading factor depended on the type of volatile, 0.05 kg/L loading factor resulted the most efficient extraction by the two preconcentration techniques for most of the volatiles generally.     

Physiological profiles relevant for novel alcoholic beverage design among Dekkera bruxellensis strains from different provenances

A selection of D. bruxellensis strains from different geographical and beverage sources were tested for their potential to develop novel alcoholic beverages. Selected strains were initially clustered based on genetic similarities determined by PCR fingerprinting. Physiological profiles were subsequently determined during the fermentation experiments that were carried out in a defined synthetic medium supplemented with glucose and 4‐vinylphenol for 22 days, as static cultures under microaerobic conditions. There were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in ethanol, glycerol and acetic acid yields and in the growth rates between the strains. During prolonged fermentation, a reduction in ethanol and acetic acid was observed, ranging from 43 to 54% for ethanol and from 4 to 45% for acetic acid, which was strain or genetic group specific. Consumption of ethanol and acetic acid occurred during the stationary phase, suggesting that ethanol and acetic acid were utilized for processes other than growth and must have had an impact on the formation of the aromatic profile. The conversion of 4‐vinylphenol to 4‐ethylphenol was much more efficient and was completed within 4 days of fermentation. Although further investigation is needed, the results indicate a potential of this previously undesired microorganism to be useful for a wide range of applications. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Study of thorium advanced fuel cycle utilization in light water reactor VVER-440

The first step in investigation of thorium fuel is evaluation of the results obtained from the spectral code for this type of fuel. The benchmark summarized by IAEA in 2003 was used for partial validation of the code HELIOS 1.9. The benchmark was focused on a comparison of the methods and basic nuclear data. Acceptable results of benchmark comparison allowed examining and comparing different advanced nuclear fuel cycles under light water reactor conditions, especially in VVER-440. Cycles, calculations and results for VVER-440 reactors are presented in the paper. Two of the investigated thorium based fuels include one solely plutonium–thorium based fuel, while the other one is a plutonium–thorium based fuel with a content of reprocessed uranium. The third examined fuel cycle is a cycle with an inert-matrix fuel consisting of reprocessed plutonium and minor actinides (MA) fixed in an yttria-stabilized zirconium matrix. All of them are used to carry and burn or transmute plutonium created in the classical UOX cycle. The Pu transmutation rate and cumulating of Pu with MA in the spent fuel were compared mutually and with an UOX open cycle. The fuel cycle with an inert-matrix fuel was proven to be the best cycle for minimizing the production of Pu in the VVER-440 reactors.     

Fossil fuel sustainability index: An application of resource management

A brief review on use of fossil fuel resources and sustainability is given in this paper. A sustainability index for fossil fuels is developed, which aims to determine the most efficient management of fossil fuel resources for the energy system. The study is conducted for 62 countries, in the presence of independence, lifetime and environmental constraints. The effect of these indicators are then integrated into a single index for oil, natural gas, and coal. Two approaches have been taken. The first one employs equally weighing of each index, where the second one weighs the indices by using principle component analysis. It is concluded that Fossil Fuel Sustainability Index (FFSI) values indicate that countries supporting oil as the one and only major player are condemned to suffer due to incompetent energy policies.     

Langmuir-Blodgett films from dioctadecylamine picrate

Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films prepared from picrate of dioctadecylamine(PDODA) and dioctadecylamine (DODA) were studied for the high picrate dipole moment, potentially effective in pyroelectricity. Stable condensed monolayers were obtained on pure water at pH from 5 to 8. About 90% of the PDODA in the films was hydrolysed to DODA. Moderate repulsion between ionized polar heads in the films promoted the desirable X- or Z-type deposition on solid supports, but it prevented a successive deposition of more than five monolayers. At pH below 5 the content of CdCl₂ or picric acid in the subphase decreased the PDODA hydrolysis. Strong repulsion under these conditions caused an expansion of the films and prevented the deposition of more than a single monolayer.     

Effect of bleomycetin on the proliferative activity of bone marrow and lymph node cells in SJL/J mice

Dynamics of dose and time dependence of bleomycin action on bone marrow and lymph node cells of SJL/J mice has shown that 6 h after administration of 25 micrograms of bleomycin the proliferative activity is 1.5 times reduced. The antibiotic influences the interphase cells and delays a cellular cycle. A durable and persistent decrease of the proliferative activity (up to 10 days) of bone marrow and lymph node cells shows a prolonged action of the bleomycin single dose and a pronounced cytostatic effect of the antibiotic on cellular elements of SJL/J mice. Bleomycetin is established to produce action both on lymph node and bone marrow tumour cells of SJL/J mice.     

Potentiating effect of disodium salt of 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-bis-carbonyl hydroxyacetic acid on the activity of various antitumor agents

The disodium salt of 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-bis-carbonyl hydroxyacetic acid (I) used in the mg/kg dose decreases the cyclophosphane toxicity in mice and potentiates the cytostatic activity of cyclophosphane, 5-fluorouracil and arabinosyl cytosine against leukemia P388, murine sarcoma 37 and Walker's carcinosarcoma. Administered alone I exhibits no antitumour activity. The potentiation of the antitumour effect of drugs appears independent of the administration schedule. Biochemical evidence indicates that I does not block DNA synthesis in leukemic cells in vitro, but significantly enhances the DNA-blocking effect of cyclophosphane in the same cells in vivo.     

Hemodynamics in an experimental postoperative thyrotoxic crisis

The diagnosis of psychosocial dwarfism is established through history, the determination of delay in growth and skeletal maturation, the lack of evidence of organic disease and accelerated growth and psychomotor development in a nuturing environment. Radiographically temporary widening of the cranial sutures may be detected in a follow up examination or less often already at the time of initial examination. Determination of wide cranial sutures may be contributary in establishing the diagnosis of psychosocial dwarfism. In a patient with this syndrome and lack of neurological signs or symptoms widening of the cranial sutures is an expected finding and no further neuroradiologic studies are necessary.