A new approach for dyeability of cotton fabrics by different plasma polymerisation methods

The increased dyeability of cotton fabrics in low temperature media using two different plasma polymerisation methods was investigated in this study. In the first method, fabrics were directly treated in amine plasma (ethylenediamine or triethylenetetramine). In the second method, they were first treated in argon plasma and then immersed in an aqueous amine bath. The treated fabrics were then dyed with a reactive dye (Remazol Black B) and the colour yields and fastness properties of the resulting fabrics measured. The K/S values obtained were significantly improved when compared to the untreated fabric.     

Bayesian belief-based model for reliability improvement of the digital reactor protection system

Nuclear Science and Techniques - This paper introduces some latest developments regarding the X-ray imaging methodology and applications of the X-ray imaging and biomedical application beamline...     

A Robust Control Scheme Based on Sliding Mode Observer to Drive a Knee‐Exoskeleton

In this paper, a robust control scheme to drive a knee‐exoskeleton has been designed to assist people with limited knee movement. Dynamic modeling and parameter identification of the “subject's lower limb‐exoskeleton” has been performed and a sliding mode observer (SMO) developed and integrated in the system's closed loop to provide velocity. Lyapunov's theory allows demonstration of the stability of the system. Experimental tests have been performed with the aid of five voluntary subjects, in sitting position, and during flexion/extension of the knee joint. The performance of the proposed control scheme is compared with those obtained using the classical proportional integrator derivative (PID) controller. These tests track the desired position and velocity trajectories with small tracking errors and evaluate the system's stability and system's robustness against the subject's parameters, variations, and external disturbances.     

Numerical investigation of the effects of combining sewer junction characteristics on the hydraulic parameters of flow in fully surcharged condition

In this study, the effects of different parameters on flow structure and flow hydraulics for combining sewer junction consisting of manhole and lateral inflow were investigated numerically. For this purpose, the effects of dimension variations, main and lateral pipe slope, angle and the joint position of lateral pipe beside manhole, manhole geometry, and the outflow rate of manhole on flow structure and energy loss coefficients were investigated. Results show that the rate of energy loss decreases by heightening the installation position of lateral pipe beside manhole. In addition, it was shown that the slope variations of main and lateral pipes and outflow rate do not affect the rate of energy loss.     

Positive and normative use of fuzzy DEA‐BCC models: A critical view on NATO enlargement

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a widely used mathematical programming approach for comparing the input and output of a set of comparable decision‐making units (DMUs) by evaluating their relative efficiency. The traditional DEA methods require accurate measurement of both the inputs and outputs. However, the real evaluation of the DMUs is often characterized by imprecision and uncertainty in data definitions and measurements. The development of fuzzy DEA (FDEA) with imprecise and ambiguous data has extended the scope of application for efficiency measurement. The purpose of this paper is to develop a fuzzy DEA framework with a BCC model for measuring crisp and interval efficiencies in fuzzy environments. We use an α‐level approach to convert the fuzzy Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) (variable returns to scale) model into an interval programming model. Instead of comparing the equality (or inequality) of the two intervals, we define a variable in the interval to satisfy our constraints and maximize the efficiency value. We present a numerical example to show the similarities and differences between our solution and the solutions obtained from four fuzzy DEA methods in the literature. In addition, a case study for NATO enlargement is presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.     

Discrete wavelet transform and support vector machine‐based parallel transmission line faults classification

This paper presents a scheme for classification of faults on double circuit parallel transmission lines using combination of discrete wavelet transform and support vector machine (SVM). Only one cycle post fault of the phase currents was employed to predict the fault type. Two features for each phase current were extracted using discrete wavelet transform. Thus, a total of 12 features were extracted for the six phase currents. The training data were collected, and SVM was employed to establish the fault classification unit. After that, the fault classification unit was tested for different fault states. The power system simulation was conducted using the MATLAB/Simulink program. The proposed technique took into account the mutual coupling between the parallel transmission lines and the randomness of the faults on transmission line considering time of occurrence, fault location, fault type, fault resistance, and loading conditions. The results show that the proposed technique can classify all the faults on the parallel transmission lines correctly. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of Aryl‐Substituted Pyrimidines by Site‐Selective Suzuki–Miyura Cross‐Coupling Reactions of 2,4,5,6‐Tetrachloropyrimidine

Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of 2,4,5,6‐tetrachloropyrimidine allow a convenient synthesis of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetraarylpyrimidines which are not readily available by other methods. All reactions proceed with excellent site‐selectivity.     

Real time evaluation of DWT-based high impedance fault detection in EHV transmission

It is possible to capture the required travelling wave information contained in fault transients using wavelet transform. This paper presents practical real time testing for the high impedance fault (HIF) detection algorithm based on real time accidents data. The proposed scheme is implemented for HIF detection in extra high voltage transmission lines. The classifier is based on an algorithm that uses recursive method to sum the absolute values of the high frequency signal generated over one cycle and shifting one sample. Characteristics of this scheme are analyzed by extensive real time studies that clearly reveal that this technique can accurately detect HIFs in the EHV transmission lines within only half a cycle from the instant of fault occurrence. The reliability of this scheme is not affected by different fault conditions such as fault distance and fault inception angle.     

Thermoelastic damping in a micro-beam resonator using modified couple stress theory

In this paper, analytical expressions for the quality factor (QF) of thermoelastic damping (TED) applying modified couple stress theory (MCST) are presented for plane stress and strain conditions. For gold and nickel micro-beam resonators, which have a considerable length-scale parameter as case studies, the effect of the length-scale parameter on the QF of TED has been discussed in details. Results for the QF of TED show that when the beam thickness is close to the length-scale parameter of the material, the MCST diverges from the classical theory; otherwise, the two theories converge to each other. Also critical thickness variation due to applying MCST is studied.     

Color image generation and display technologies

The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the transformations and limitations that occur in color imaging input and output devices. We concentrate on two common recording devices and three common output devices. First we provide an overview of digital scanners and cameras, and then we discuss inkjet and laser printers. Finally, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are presented.