Numerical Simulation and Validation of Mass Transfer Process of Ozone Gas in Rice Grain Bulks

Ozone is a potential alternative to commercial fumigants. The development of ozone fumigation technology for insects control requires a precise prediction of the distribution of introduced ozone gas in grain bulks. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the mass transfer process of ozone gas in rice grain bulks. Experiments were conducted in a 0.6-m diameter flat-bottom bin filled with rice grains and ozonated using 5 g h^?1 capacity ozone generator. Simulation of transfer process of ozone through the rice grain bulks was conducted using the principle of the law of conservation employing the continuity equation. The experimental data for ozone transfer through connected the column of rice was used to validate the model. The relative error between the actual and predicted ozone concentration for the entire bin geometry was less than 33%. The predictions from the projected model were in accordance with the ozone concentrations obtained from the experimental results.     

Dynamic economic load dispatch using hybrid swarm intelligence based harmony search algorithm

This paper presents the hybrid harmony search algorithm with swarm intelligence (HHS) to solve the dynamic economic load dispatch problem. Harmony Search (HS) is a recently developed derivative-free, meta-heuristic optimization algorithm, which draws inspiration from the musical process of searching for a perfect state of harmony. This work is an attempt to hybridize the HS algorithm with the powerful population based algorithm PSO for a better convergence of the proposed algorithm. The main aim of dynamic economic load dispatch problem is to find out the optimal generation schedule of the generators corresponding to the most economical operating point of the system over the considered timing horizon. The proposed algorithm also takes care of different constraints like power balance, ramp rate limits and generation limits by using penalty function method. Simulations were performed over various standard test systems with 5 units, 10 units and 30 units and a comparative study is carried out with other recently reported results. The findings affirmed the robustness and proficiency of the proposed methodology over other existing techniques.     

Adaptive particle swarm optimization approach for static and dynamic economic load dispatch

This paper presents a novel heuristic optimization approach to constrained economic load dispatch (ELD) problems using the adaptive–variable population – PSO technique. The proposed methodology easily takes care of different constraints like transmission losses, dynamic operation constraints (ramp rate limits) and prohibited operating zones and also accounts for non-smoothness of cost functions arising due to the use of multiple fuels. Simulations were performed over various systems with different numbers of generating units, and comparisons are performed with other existing relevant approaches. The findings affirmed the robustness, fast convergence and proficiency of the proposed methodology over other existing techniques.     

Ongoing normal pregnancy after transfer of zona-free blastocysts: implications for embryo transfer in the human

Recent reports suggest that transfer of day 5 blastocysts improves implantation rates in in-vitro fertilization programmes. This paper reports a successful ongoing pregnancy after the transfer of zona-free day 6 expanded and hatching blastocysts. The patient was 37 years old and had undergone six stimulated and two thaw cycles previously, all of which had failed. Stimulation was by down-regulation and oocytes recovered transvaginally by ultrasound guidance. Two pronuclear embryos were co-cultured on Vero cells to day 6. The zonae of two hatching and two fully expanded blastocysts were removed using 0.5% pronase, and the zona-free blastocysts were then transferred. Pregnancy was confirmed on day 18 with a positive human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and ultrasound at 6 weeks showed a single healthy fetal heart inside a clear sac. At 14 weeks a triple test (oestriol, J-HCG and alpha-fetoprotein) was normal and at 22 weeks a detailed ultrasound scan showed no congenital anomalies. This is the first report in the human of a normal ongoing pregnancy after the transfer of zona-free day 6 embryos.     

Selective binding and detection of magnetic labels using PHR sensor via photoresist micro-wells

We have developed a novel platform for selective binding of magnetic labels on planar Hall resistance sensor (PHR) for biosensing applications. The photoresist (PR) micro wells were prepared on the PHR sensor junctions to trap the magnetic bead at specified locations on the sensor surface and thin layer of Au was sputtered in the PR wells immobilize bimolecular. The Au surface is functionalized with single-stranded oligonucleotide and further biotin was used to immobilize streptavidin coated magnetic labels (Dynabeads Myone 1.0 microm, Invitrogen Co.). After removal of the PR wells on the sensor surface the non specific binding magnetic labels were successfully removed and only the chemically bounded magnetic labels were remained on the Au surface for detection of biomolecules using PHR sensor. We controlled the number of magnetic labels on the PHR sensor surface by using different sizes of the PR well on the junctions. The specifically bounded magnetic labels were successfully detected by characterizing the individual PHR sensor junctions. This technique enables the complete control over the magnetic labels for selective binding of biomolecules on the sensor surface for increasing the sensitivity of the PHR sensor as well as removal of the non specific bindings on the sensor surface.     

Hybrid approach to implement multi-robotic navigation system using neural network,fuzzy logic,and bio-inspired optimization methodologies

Mobile robots have been increasingly popular in a variety of industries in recent years due to their ability to move in variable situations and perform routine jobs effectively. Path planning, without a dispute, performs a crucial part in multi-robot navigation, making it one of the very foremost investigated issues in robotics. In recent times, meta-heuristic strategies have been intensively investigated to tackle path planning issues in the similar way that optimizing issues were handled, or to design the optimal path for such multi-robotics to travel from the initial point to such goal. The fundamental purpose of portable multi-robot guidance is to navigate a mobile robot across a crowded area from initial point to target position while maintaining a safe route and creating optimum length for the path. Various strategies for robot navigational path planning were investigated by scientists in this field. This work seeks to discuss bio-inspired methods that are exploited to optimize hybrid neuro-fuzzy analysis which is the combination of neural network and fuzzy logic is optimized using the particle swarm optimization technique in real-time scenarios. Several optimization approaches of bio-inspired techniques are explained briefly. Its simulation findings, which are displayed for two simulated scenarios reveal that hybridization increases multi-robot navigation accuracy in terms of navigation duration and length of the path.     

Disinfestation techniques for major cereals: A status report

Management of stored product insects is a major concern and widely researched topic in the food and grain processing and storage industry. In the scenario of estimated utilization of produces exceeding the production, postharvest losses should be properly controlled to feed the growing population. The prevailing disinfestation techniques are forced to meet regulatory standards and market demands. The resistance developed by insects, environmental concerns, and occupational hazards lead to the vanishing of many chemicals used in insect and pest management programs. Some of the major disinfestation techniques such as the use of chemical fumigants, ozone, irradiation, dielectric heating, extreme temperature treatments, and bio rational approaches are discussed, particularly on the storage of cereal grains and its products, as they contribute to a significant proportion of food consumed worldwide. Newer techniques such as nonthermal plasma and metabolic stress disinfestation and decontamination for stored pest control are developed and evaluated in different parts of the world. The knowledge about the mode of action of these disinfestation techniques is important to avoid the cross‐resistance and multiple resistance developed by insects with frequently used techniques. Various alternatives to conventional fumigants are discussed in this review as there is a growing demand for toxic‐free, environment‐friendly, and, at the same time, efficient techniques.