Incorporation of support vector machines in the LIBS toolbox for sensitive and robust classification amidst unexpected sample and system variability

Despite the intrinsic elemental analysis capability and lack of sample preparation requirements, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has not been extensively used for real-world applications, e.g., quality assurance and process monitoring. Specifically, variability in sample, system, and experimental parameters in LIBS studies present a substantive hurdle for robust classification, even when standard multivariate chemometric techniques are used for analysis. Considering pharmaceutical sample investigation as an example, we propose the use of support vector machines (SVM) as a nonlinear classification method over conventional linear techniques such as soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for discrimination based on LIBS measurements. Using over-the-counter pharmaceutical samples, we demonstrate that the application of SVM enables statistically significant improvements in prospective classification accuracy (sensitivity), because of its ability to address variability in LIBS sample ablation and plasma self-absorption behavior. Furthermore, our results reveal that SVM provides nearly 10% improvement in correct allocation rate and a concomitant reduction in misclassification rates of 75% (cf. PLS-DA) and 80% (cf. SIMCA)-when measurements from samples not included in the training set are incorporated in the test data-highlighting its robustness. While further studies on a wider matrix of sample types performed using different LIBS systems is needed to fully characterize the capability of SVM to provide superior predictions, we anticipate that the improved sensitivity and robustness observed here will facilitate application of the proposed LIBS-SVM toolbox for screening drugs and detecting counterfeit samples, as well as in related areas of forensic and biological sample analysis.     

Improving Product Quality and Reliability with Customer Experience Data

Advance technology development and wide use of the World Wide Web have made it possible for new product development organizations to access multi‐sources of data‐related customer complaints. However, the number of customer plaints of highly innovative consumer electronic products is still increasing; that is, product quality and reliability is at risk. This article aims to understand why existing solutions from literature as well as from industry to deal with these increasingly complex multiple data sources are not able to manage product quality and reliability. Three case studies in industry are discussed. On the basis of the case study results, this article also identifies a new research agenda that is needed to improve product quality and reliability under this circumstance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the Fundamental Solutions of Generalized Thermoelasticity with Three Phase-Lags

The aim of the present work is to derive the fundamental solutions in the linear theory of generalized thermoelasticity with three phase-lags, recently introduced by Roychoudhuri (2007). We consider the case of homogeneous and isotropic bodies and present a solution of the Galerkin-type of field equations. The solution is then used to determine the effects of concentrated loads and heat sources in an unbounded medium. The fundamental solutions of the field equations in case of steady vibrations are also derived.     

A Problem on Elastic Half Space Under Fractional Order Theory of Thermoelasticity

The present work is concerned with the solution of a problem on fractional order theory of thermoelasticity for an elastic medium. We investigate the thermoelastic interactions inside the medium by employing the fractional order theory of thermoelasticity, recently advocated by Sherief et al. (Int. J. Solids Struct., 47, 269–275, 2010). State space approach together with the Laplace transform technique is used to obtain the general solution of the problem. The general solution is then applied to three specific problems on an elastic half space, whose boundary is subjected to (i) a thermal shock (i.e., a step input in temperature and zero stress), (ii) a normal load (i.e., a step input in stress and zero temperature change) and (iii) a ramp type increase in temperature and zero stress. To observe the variations of displacement, temperature and stress inside the half-space we compute the numerical values of the field variables for a particular material by utilizing a numerical method of Laplace inversion. The effects of fractional order parameter on the variations of different fields inside the medium are analyzed graphically.     

Thermal protective performance of clothing exposed to radiant heat

Designing firefighter protective clothing requires many factors to be taken into consideration. Constructional parameters along with proper selection of materials are very critical and need to be extensively studied. In the present work, construction parameters of Kevlar woven and conex non-woven materials have been studied. Full factorial experiments have been conducted by varying factors like pick density of woven cloth and punch densities of non-woven fabric at three levels at three different heat fluxes. ANOVA has been done to analyse the significance of different factors and interaction between them. Time to cause second-degree burn injury has been found to be linearly related to pick and punch densities, where as it has non-linear relationship with variation in heat fluxes. Kevlar woven material with higher pick density combined with lower punch density produced maximum time before second-degree burn occurs.     

Polyester fabric with inherent antibacterial,hydrophilic and UV protection properties

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn with multifunctional properties such as UV protection, antimicrobial property and cotton-like moisture transport properties was fabricated in a semi-commercial melt spinning machine. Effects of chemical modifications and additives on PET yarn with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were studied and reported. It was found that ZnO imparts UV protection and antimicrobial properties and PEG helps to improve moisture management. Bacteriostatic activity above 3.5 was observed with ZnO incorporation. High wicking length of 15 cm was obtained as against 2 cm for control PET fabric of same construction.     

Modeling and simulation of HVDC Bridge Converters

Abstract

This paper presents a converter model for dynamic digital simulation of HVDC systems. The simulation is simplified by representing the converter as a time varying equivalent circuit on the dc side, which is derived from graph theoretic formulation. The converter model presented has a modular structure and hence can be used to simulate a converter terminal with any number of bridges connected in series.     

Design theory and performance analysis of paraboloidal solar cooker

A paraboloidal collector having aperture diameter 1.3 m, depth 0.30 m, and focal length 0.35 m was designed and fabricated. The paraboloidal solar cooker was tested under no-load conditions at a recorded maximum temperature of 326°C. The analysis was made from the sensible heating and cooling curves. The values of the overall heat loss factor (F′ UL) obtained from the sensible cooling curve were smaller on different days. The minimal heat loss was due to the wind shield provided at the paraboloidal receiver. Analysis of the sensible heating curve gave the values of the optical efficiency factor (F′ η₀). The performance of the paraboloidal collector was determined, and the thermal efficiency was found to be 26%. The performance curve was plotted to predict the approximate time required to boil a known amount of water under given climatic conditions. The solar cooker was found to be useful in cooking a variety of foods.     

Line outage ranking for voltage limit violations with corrective rescheduling avoiding masking

This paper describes a technique for ranking line outages causing voltage limit violations taking into account the post-outage correctability of the network during contingency selection process. Due to the choice of large even powered of performance index (PI): (i) masking is avoided; and (ii) complete potential of correctability of power network is utilised. Fletcher and Reeves conjugate gradient method is used for optimisation. Use of newly derived compensated voltage shift factor has been made. To restrict the reactive power limit violations at generation buses, use of newly derived reactive power compensated shift factor has been made. Control corrections have been optimised for each line outage in the same base case pre-outage condition itself. This allows the use of same set of pre-outage sensitivity coefficients and line outage distribution factors. It is to be stressed here that the control corrections have been obtained for each line outage in pre-contingency condition mainly for computational convenience. But actually these corrections are applied in respective post-outage conditions. The algorithm is tested on IEEE 25-bus, 30-bus and 91-bus test systems.