Assessment of proteolysis in ultra‐high temperature milk using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

This study investigated the suitability of attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) as an alternative technique to assess proteolysis in ultra‐high temperature (UHT) milk. Commercial UHT milk samples were stored (5 and 30 °C) and analysed for four months. Milk samples were treated with acetic acid and trichloroacetic acid to obtain milk extracts containing peptides. The concentrated extracts were subjected to ATR‐FTIR, and the spectrum was obtained. Results were compared with techniques like high‐performance liquid chromatography, fluorescamine and 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid. The present study indicated that ATR‐FTIR‐based method can be used as an alternative method for assessing proteolysis in UHT milk.     

Design and performance of dynamic voltage restorer using genetic algorithm

In the present scenario, sensitive loads suffer nearly 80% of power quality problems especially due to voltage sag. Dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) finds its perfect application as a compensator to mitigate the voltage sag problem. In this paper, source voltage suffers voltage sag of 30% and load terminal voltage is regulated using proportional and integral (PI) controllers. Synchronous reference frame algorithm is adopted to generate reference load voltage for voltage source converter switching. Optimised values of the gains of PI controllers are achieved using genetic algorithm. Control strategy of the DVR is simulated using MATLAB software and performance of DVR is studied.     

Crossing the boundaries of safe operation: An approach for training technical skills in error management

Robust error management within the cockpit is crucial to aviation safety. Crew resource management (CRM) focuses on non-technical skills for error management but the training of technical skills for error detection and error recovery is also a potentially valuable strategy. We propose a theoretical basis for training technical skills in error management as well as a cognitively oriented technique for analysing accidents and incidents to identify specific training requirements. To evaluate the strengths and limitations of this new approach, we present a case study of its application to the F-111, a strike aircraft in the Royal Australian Air Force. This case study demonstrates that the new training approach is both feasible and useful, although an empirical validation of the approach is still necessary. In addition, the case study highlights the limitations of the current F-111 simulator for training technical skills for error detection and error recovery.

Variational principle for linear initial value problems

Using convolution bilinear form, variational principle alternate potential principles for linear initial value problems with homogeneous/nonhomogeneous initial-boundary conditions, representing the initial-boundary value problems, have been formulated.     

Scandium ion doped yttrium oxide transparent ceramic from nitrate alanine microwave combustion synthesized nanopowders

One atomic percent Neodymium ion doped Yttrium oxide, with 25 at% scandium ion (Nd_0.02Sc_0.5Y_1.48O₃), was synthesized by nitrate alanine microwave gel combustion followed by calcinations at 1000 °C for 2 h. Phase purity of nanopowder was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Neodymium and scandium ion doping was confirmed by cell parameter calculation and Scanning Electron Microscope-Electron Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis. Particles with size range 25–35 nm with close to spherical shape were obtained as observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Powder on compaction followed by vacuum sintering at 1765 °C for 40 min led to the formation of ceramic with 76% transmission at 2500 nm compared to translucent ceramic obtained without scandium ion doping. This indicates formation of highly sinterable neodymium doped yttrium oxide nanopowders by nitrate alanine microwave gel combustion route with scandium ion additive. Further the absorption and emission bands of Nd_0.02Sc_0.5Y_1.48O₃ are inhomogeneously broadened and fluorescence lifetime is longer than Nd_0.02Y_1.98O₃.     

Studies on additive-additive interactions: Effects of dispersant and antioxidant additives on the synergistic combination of overbased sulphonate and ZDDP

A strong synergism between overbased sulphonate (OBS) and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) in a proven diesel engine oil formulation has been reported in an earlier communication.¹ In continuation of these studies, the effect of different types of dispersant, of varying nitrogen content, and an antioxidant, on a synergistic combination of OBS-ZDDP has been investigated. Both detergency and dispersancy of the optimised formulation were improved with high nitrogen-content dispersants, which also increased strongly the wear tendencies. The antioxidant, though it improved detergency, did not show any positive effect on antiwear performance. Detailed IR and ³¹p-NMR spectroscopic analyses on interactive additive pairs, namely, ZDDP-PIBS and ZDDP-antioxidant, indicated the formation of association complexes and hydrogen bonding respectively.