Optimization of Radial Basis Function neural network employed for prediction of surface roughness in hard turning process using Taguchi’s orthogonal arrays

This work presents a study on the applicability of radial base function (RBF) neural networks for prediction of Roughness Average (R_a) in the turning process of SAE 52100 hardened steel, with the use of Taguchi’s orthogonal arrays as a tool to design parameters of the network. Experiments were conducted with training sets of different sizes to make possible to compare the performance of the best network obtained from each experiment. The following design factors were considered: (i) number of radial units, (ii) algorithm for selection of radial centers and (iii) algorithm for selection of the spread factor of the radial function. Artificial neural networks (ANN) models obtained proved capable to predict surface roughness in accurate, precise and affordable way. Results pointed significant factors for network design have significant influence on network performance for the task proposed. The work concludes that the design of experiments (DOE) methodology constitutes a better approach to the design of RBF networks for roughness prediction than the most common trial and error approach.     

Biofunctional Silk/Neuron Interfaces

Silk fibroin (SF) is a biocompatible and slowly biodegradable material with excellent mechanical properties and huge potential for use as biofunctional interface in electronic devices that aim to stimulate and control neural network activity and peripheral nerve repair. It is shown that SF films act as material interfaces that support the adherence and neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and preserve neuronal functions. Silk films preserve the capability of neuronal cells to fire and DRG neurons on silk films retain the intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) response to capsaicin, a typical noxious stimulus for this neuronal culture model. It is also demonstrated that nerve growth factor (NGF)‐functionalized silk films promote neurite outgrowth and modulate functional properties of DRG neurons. The results show that silk preserves DRG neuronal physiology and is a promising biomaterial platform for the future development of devices with goals including functional recovery of injured neurons, neurite functional outgrowth in vitro, or functional electrostimulation in vivo.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and polarized micro-Raman spectroscopy of copper molybdates

Conventional and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods were used to synthesize Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ ceramics. Different experimental conditions of temperature, time and precipitation rate were employed to explore the growth mechanisms, structural and morphological properties of the obtained copper molybdates. The use of microwave-assisted reactors at 150?°C/10–30?min produced a mixture of copper molybdate hydrates, while only Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ was obtained by using microwave processing at longer times (above 120?min) or conventional hydrothermal reactors (110–250?°C/24?h). Experiments conducted after fast and slow coprecipitation rates resulted in different crystallographic phases and morphologies. Flower-like and rod-like micrometer-sized ceramics were produced with high anisotropy and single-crystalline nature. A better understanding on the growth mechanisms, as well as on the structural and morphological characteristics of copper molybdates was attained. Based upon the relative enhancement of Raman bands in parallel or in perpendicular configuration, a symmetry assignment of 34 (17A_g + 17B_g) external modes for Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ ceramics (42 bands are expected) was possible. Besides, five (of six possible) internal OH-stretching modes were identified in the spectral region above 3200?cm^?1.     

Study of an Annular Photoreactor with Tangential Inlet and Outlet. II. The UV/H2O2 Reactive Flow

The concentration profiles of species involved in the degradation of phenol by an advanced oxidation process (AOP) are modeled by a computational fluid dynamics tool in an annular reactor whose fluid dynamics was the object of a previous study. The reactive flow was fully described together with the radiation field and the kinetic model, which encompasses large kinetic constants such as 10¹⁰ L mol^?1s^?1. Phenol degradation can be simulated by using relaxation factors of at least 10¹² kg m^?3s^?1. The hydroxyl radical concentration profile depends on the radiation field, assessed by the discrete ordinate and the discrete transfer methods. Phenol can be completely degraded along the reactor. A centrifugal effect was observed, with higher concentrations of degradation products along the inner wall at the reactor outlet.     

Proximity to chipboard industries increases the risk of respiratory and irritation symptoms in children: The Viadana study

Emissions related to wood production processes are a recognized health hazard for professionally exposed subjects. The health effects of living close to wood industries are not known, particularly in the pediatric population. We aimed at investigating if living close to chipboard industries is a health hazard for the children in the Viadana district (Northern Italy).In December 2006, all the children (3-14 years) living in the Viadana district, where two big chipboard industries are located, were surveyed through a parental questionnaire (n = 3854). The children were geocoded, and the distance of their houses/schools from the closest wood plant was computed.Independently of sex, age, nationality, residential area, traffic, parents' education, passive/parental smoking, questionnaire compiler and his/her environmental concern, the children living at < 2 km from chipboard industries had a greater prevalence of respiratory (OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.60), cough/phlegm (OR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.88), nose/throat/mouth (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.75), eye (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.48) symptoms, school-days lost (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.48), and emergency (OR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.47, 3.11) and hospital (OR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.17, 4.18) admissions. There was an inverse dose-response relationship between the adverse health outcomes considered and the distance from the plants. The attributable fractions for the children living close to the chipboard industries were substantial, ranging from 13% (eye symptoms) to 27% (cough/phlegm).The present findings suggest that emissions from chipboard industries might have a serious impact on children's health status and should therefore be reduced and closely monitored.     

A DIFFUSION MODEL WITH A MOISTURE DEPENDENT DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT FOR PARBOILED RICE

A mathematical model describing moisture migration by diffusion in a solid sphere with variable diffusion coefficient is proposed. An analytical expression for dependence of the diffusion coefficient with moisture content was derived based on the assumption that the activation energy for diffusion varies linearly with the desorption energy.

The expression for moisture dependence of diffusion coefficient was used to simulate drying of parboiled rice in the temperature range 50-90°C. The mathematical model shows good agreement between observed and predicted drying rate curves.     

Sustainability of electricity supply technology portfolio

This paper outlines the approach to the evaluation of sustainability of current and future electricity supply options of interest for a major Swiss utility Axpo Holding AG. The motivation behind this effort has been to provide a solid basis for a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary assessment and use this framework within a dialog with a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The development and implementation of the methodology was coordinated by Axpo in co-operation with the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) and other scientific institutions.     

Genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from dairy cattle in Wisconsin

Salmonella enterica is a pathogen of humans and animals, and is one of the most frequent causes of bacterial foodborne illness worldwide. People consuming contaminated foods or working with infected livestock have the potential to become infected with Salmonella and may require antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella has become a problem worldwide due in part to the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in human and veterinary medicine. In this study, forty-five Salmonella isolates from diagnostic fecal samples of Wisconsin dairy cattle were serotyped and characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing using agar disk diffusion, antimicrobial resistance gene detection by PCR, plasmid analysis and conjugation studies. The predominant serovars detected were Kentucky, Newport, Typhimurium, Cerro, Dublin and Montevideo. Over half (51%) of all isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 29% were resistant to 8–10 drugs. The most commonly observed resistance phenotypes were to streptomycin (44%), tetracycline (42%), sulfisoxazole (40%), chloramphenicol (35%), ampicillin (33%), and cefoxitin (33%). When resistance was detected phenotypically, a corresponding resistance gene was detected 86.2% of the time. Plasmids ranging in size from < 8 to 165 kb were detected in 45% of the isolates. A greater understanding of the factors associated with antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella should provide insights into the factors that contribute to the development of resistant pathogens during dairy production, which in turn can lead to strategies to minimize the spread of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella in the food supply.     

The vulnerability of wind power to climate change in Brazil

The availability and reliability of wind power depend a great deal on current and future climate conditions, which may vary in light of possible global climate change (GCC). Long-term energy planning, however, does not normally take possible future GCC into consideration, which may turn out to be a risky exercise. In the case of Brazil, the untapped wind power potential is known to be impressive, provided that climate conditions remain the same over time. The focus of this study is to analyze some possible impacts of GCC on the wind power potential of Brazil, by simulating wind conditions associated with the IPCC A2 and B2 Scenarios. Results based on the HadCM3 general circulation model and the analysis of the country's wind database indicate that the wind power potential in Brazil would not be jeopardized in the future due to possible new climate conditions. On the contrary, improved wind conditions are expected, particularly in the Northeast coast of the country. Therefore, investments in wind power generation can be an interesting way to expand renewable energy production in Brazil. However, given the large uncertainties associated with GCC models and scenarios, the findings of this paper should be viewed as a possibility rather than as a projection.