NB+: An improved Naïve Bayesian algorithm

A novel algorithm named NB⁺ which is an extended version of the traditional Naïve Bayesian algorithm has been presented in this paper. An exception occurs when there is an equal probability for the class label value in the Naïve Bayesian algorithm. The approach aims to suggest a solution with the help of a partial matching method. Consequently, the classification accuracy has drastically improved. Experimental evaluation has been done on various databases to show that NB⁺ algorithm outperforms the traditional Naïve Bayesian algorithm.     

Experimental investigation on the effect of alkanes blending on performance,combustion and emission characteristics of four-stroke diesel engine

In this experimental investigation, an attempt was made to increase the performance and reduce the emission by adding alkanes such as n-pentane and n-hexane separately at different proportions, such as 4%, 6% and 8% by volume, with diesel. The performance analysis reported that, at full load, the brake thermal efficiency was increased by 3.605%, 3.170%, 4.305%, 4.394%, 5.336% and 6.173% for the blending of 4% n-pentane, 6% n-pentane, 8% n-pentane, 4% n-hexane, 6% n-hexane and 8% n-hexane with diesel, respectively. The emission test concluded that the smoke density was increased by 9.915%, 9.905%, 6.325%, 9.573%, 6.154% and 5.983% for the blending of 4% n-pentane, 6% n-pentane, 8% n-pentane, 4% n-hexane, 6% n-hexane and 8% n-hexane with diesel, respectively. The NO_x emission was decreased by 8.265%, 8.674%, 17.430%, 5.401%, 5.810% and 7.529% for the blending of 4% n-pentane, 6% n-pentane, 8% n-pentane, 4% n-hexane, 6% n-hexane and 8% n-hexane with diesel, respectively.     

Value of condition monitoring in infrastructure maintenance

As many civil infrastructure assets age over time and often exceed their design life, there is an increasing need to assess and monitor their condition so as to allow improved and effective maintenance decisions. In this regard, there is growing interest in implementing advanced condition monitoring techniques to capture the condition of the infrastructure assets. However, there is a lack of understanding in determining the benefits offered by the various condition monitoring techniques, such that the most appropriate system is implemented to reap the benefits. In this context, this paper proposes a methodology to assess the benefits offered by condition monitoring systems and the factors that affect the value delivered by such systems. The proposed methodology is based on Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) and is illustrated with an industrial case example.     

A two phase approach based on skeleton convergence and geometric variables for topology optimization using genetic algorithm

This paper introduces a set of skeleton operators for characterizing topologies evolving in a bit-array represented structural topology optimization problem. It is shown that the design generally converges to a stable skeleton fairly early in the optimization process. It is observed that further optimization is more about finding optimal gross shape for the various branches of the converged skeleton and the bit-array representation is not appropriate. A two-phase approach to topology optimization is proposed in which the first phase, where bit-array is used to represent the topology, ends with the detection of stabilization of skeleton, and the second phase proceeds further with the geometry based representation that directly addresses gross variation in shape of the branches of the converged skeleton. Genetic Algorithm has been used for optimization in both the phases. The efficiency and effectiveness of the use of skeleton operators and geometric variables for identification of convergence in the first phase and optimization in the second phase respectively is demonstrated.     

Photoisomerization behavior of bisbenzylidene and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐based liquid crystalline polyesters

Photoisomerization behavior of bisbenzylideneacetone/cycloheptanone and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole containing nematic liquid crystalline polyesters under UV irradiation was investigated. Solubility, carbonyl group absorption band in FTIR, optical microscopy observation, as well as DSC analysis through existence of liquid crystallinity after irradiation were proved this phenomenon. Fluorescence spectra revealed blue‐emission maxima with Stokes shift in the range of 46–49 nm. Band gap energy calculated from absorption spectra are in the range of 3.18–3.41 eV. Structure–property relationships were probed by correlating the spacer length with development of mesophase formation, thermal, and optical properties. Optical property of polymers disclosed photoisomerization processes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Electrochemical and structural evaluation of functionally graded bioglass-apatite composites electrophoretically deposited onto Ti6Al4V alloy

Titanium and its alloys are widely used as materials for implants, owing to their corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility. However, clinical experience has shown that they are susceptible to localised corrosion in the human body causing the release of metal ions into the tissues surrounding the implants. Several incidences of clinical failures of such devices have demanded the application of biocompatible and corrosion resistant coatings and surface modification of the alloys. Coating metallic implants with bioactive materials is necessary to establish good interfacial bonds between the metal substrate and the bone. Hence, this work aimed at developing a bioglass-apatite (BG-HAP) graded coating on Ti6Al4V titanium alloy through electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. The coatings were characterized for their properties such as structural, electrochemical and mechanical stability. The electrochemical corrosion parameters such as corrosion potential (E_corr) (open circuit potential) and corrosion current density (I_corr) evaluated in simulated body fluid (SBF) have shown significant shifts towards noble direction for the graded bioglass-apatite coated specimens in comparison with uncoated Ti6Al4V alloy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic investigations revealed higher polarisation resistance and lower capacitance values for the coated specimens, evidencing the stable nature of the formed coatings. The results obtained in the present work demonstrate the suitability of the electrophoretic technique for the preparation of graded coating on Ti6Al4V substrates.