A Microprocessor-Based System for On-Line Parameter Identification in Continuous Dynamical Systems

The paper proposes a microprocessor-based unit for online identification of the parameters in linear continuous lumped dynamical systems. The unit implements an algorithm which uses the so-called Poisson mement functionals (PMF) of input-output data from the actual process under identification.     

Isothermal Oxidation Comparison of Three Ni-Based Superalloys

Ni-based superalloys are used for high-temperature components of gas turbines in both industrial and aerospace applications due to their ability to maintain dimensional stability under conditions of high stress and strain. The oxidation resistance of these alloys often dictates their service lifetime. This study focuses on the isothermal oxidation behavior of three Ni-based superalloys, namely, polycrystalline cast IN738LC, single-crystal N5, and a ternary Ni-Fe-Cr (TAS) powder metallurgy alloy. The isothermal oxidation tests were conducted at 900 °C in the static air up to 1000 h, and the specific aspects studied were the oxidation behavior of these chromia-forming and alumina-forming alloys that are used extensively in industry. In particular, the behavior of oxide scale growth and subsurface changes were analyzed in detail using various techniques such as SEM, EDS, and AFM. From the isothermal oxidation kinetics, the oxidation rate constant, k _p, was calculated for each alloy and found to be; k _p = 2.79 × 10^?6 mg² cm^?4 s^?1 for IN738LC, k _p = 1.42 × 10^?7 mg² cm^?4 s^?1 for N5 and k _p = 1.62 × 10^?7 mg² cm^?4 s^?1 for TAS. Based on a microstructural analysis, IN738LC exhibited a continuous dense outer scale of Cr₂O₃ and discontinuous inner scale of Al₂O₃, whereas N5 and TAS showed a dense outer scale of Al₂O₃ alone. The results suggested that the N5 and PM-TAS alloys are more oxidation resistant than the IN738LC under these conditions.     

Cluster‐based mobility management algorithms for wireless mesh networks

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) have been the recent advancements and attracting more academicians and industrialists for their seamless connectivity to the internet. Radio resource is one among the prime resources in wireless networks, which is expected to use in an efficient way especially when the mobile nodes are on move. However, providing guaranteed quality of service to the mobile nodes in the network is a challenging issue. To accomplish this, we propose 2 clustering algorithms, namely, static clustering algorithm for WMNs and dynamic clustering algorithm for WMNs. In these algorithms, we propose a new weight‐based cluster head and cluster member selection process for the formation of clusters. The weight of the nodes in WMN is computed considering the parameters include the bandwidth of the node, the degree of node connectivity, and node cooperation factor. Further, we also propose enhanced quality of service enabled routing protocol for WMNs considering the delay, bandwidth, hopcount, and expected transmission count are the routing metrics. The performance of the proposed clustering algorithms and routing protocol are analyzed, and results show high throughput, high packet delivery ratio, and low communication cost compared with the existing baseline mobility management algorithms and routing protocols.     

Entropy analysis of nanofluid magnetohydrodynamic convection flow past an inclined surface: A numerical review

A numerical investigation is conducted to review the entropy study of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) convection nanofluid flow from an inclined surface. In evaluating the thermophoresis and Brownian motion impacts, Buongiorno's model is applied to nanofluid transfer. Using Keller's implicit box technique, the governing partial differential conservation equations and wall and free stream boundary conditions are made into the dimensionless form and solved computationally. For different thermos physical parameter values, the numerical results are discussed both graphically and numerically. Verification of the present code with previous Newtonian responses is also included. To analyze the variability in fluid velocity, temperature, nanoparticle volume fraction, entropy, Bejan number, shear stress rate, wall heat, and mass transfer rates, graphical and tabulated results are reported. The study suggests applications in the manufacturing of nanomaterial fabrication, and so on.     

Particle migration of concentrated suspension flow in bifurcating channels

Flow of suspension in bifurcating channels has extensive applications in industrial and natural settings. A phenomenon of particular interest during the flow of concentrated suspension is shear-induced particle migration. Previous works on suspension transport in branched channels have been limited to dilute flow conditions. We have carried out experiments using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique to study concentrated suspension transport in asymmetric T- and symmetric Y-shape channels. Numerical simulations of fluid flow and particle transport equations were also carried out for the same geometry which was used in the experiments. The migration and transport of particles in the simulations were studied using the Diffusive Flux Model. We have observed in both experiments and numerical simulations that due to the shear-induced migration phenomena the particles move towards the center of the channel, and this gives rise to the blunting of velocity profile before the junction. After the bifurcation, the peak of velocity profile moves in the direction of the outer wall, whereas, the maxima in particle concentration was observed near the inner walls. This causes asymmetry in the velocity and concentration profiles in the daughter branches. As we move towards the downstream positions the maxima in velocity and concentration profiles again shifts toward the center of the channel. The results from the experiments and simulations are observed to be in good agreement.     

Impact on lung function among children exposed to home new surface materials: The seven Northeastern Cities Study in China

We conducted a cross‐sectional study to investigate the associations between recent home renovation exposure and lung function in children. We randomly recruited 7326 school children residing in 24 districts from seven cities in northeastern China. We collected information about home renovations from parents using a questionnaire and lung function measurements from children using spirometer recordings gathered by trained professionals and expressed as the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). We identified higher odds of diminished lung function among these with home renovation in the previous 2 years compared to those without home renovation in the previous 2 years, for FVC (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.84 [95%CI: 1.58, 2.15]; FEV1: ORs = 2.82 [95%CI: 2.36, 3.36]; PEF: ORs = 1.51 [95%CI: 1.24, 1.83]; and MMEF: ORs = 1.90 [95%CI: 1.60, 2.24]). The associations were stronger among children exposed to new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring compared to children exposed to other surface materials. Our results were consistent throughout the analysis of each type of renovation materials. In conclusion, recent home renovation exposure was associated with poor lung function among children. Strategies to protect home owners and their families from respiratory hazards during and after renovation are required.     

A miniseries of spontaneous intramural esophageal hematoma in hemodialysis patients: A rare cause of dysphagia

Intramural esophageal hematoma (IEH) is an uncommon clinical condition, with a prognosis that is essentially benign. In most cases, a predisposing factor may be seen, with the most common being the history of esophagic instrumentation, food impactions, and thrombocytopenia. We report a miniseries of 3 patients on hemodialysis, who developed IEH. All 3 of them presented with sudden onset and progressively worsening dysphagia and hematemesis. Diagnosis of IEH was established by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. All patients were managed conservatively, and symptoms of dysphagia and chest pain improved within 6–8 days. Good resolution of hematoma was noted by repeat endoscopy within 2–3 weeks. The reported case of IEH in hemodialysis patients is rare and needs to be identified early when patients present with dysphagia, as anticoagulation during hemodialysis would possibly worsen the clinical condition, the course of which is otherwise benign.