The optimal schedule to produce a given number of acceptable parts with a specified confidence level

This paper deals with the problem of finding the optimal schedule for producing, with a probability α, a finite number H, of parts which have a diameter within specified tolerance limits. It is assumed that the diameter is a normally distributed variable that exhibits a linear trend in the process mean. The solution involves determining the optimal run size(s), as well as the specific number of runs of each size, required to produce at least H parts, with probability α, at minimum cost. A solution algorithm is provided and computational experience reported.     

An adaptive approach for the reduction of quantization errors†

This paper presents an adaptive quantization scheme for the reduction of the percentage error in the output of the quantizer. The improvement in the system performance is illustrated by simulating a uniform step and an adaptive quantizer on a digital computer and comparing their outputs. A significant improvement in the output is achieved by using the suggested scheme.     

Tolerance analysis using fuzzy sets

A method for the analysis of the effects of subjective and objective tolerances in networks and systems is presented in this paper. The imprecision of the components is represented using fuzzy sets and then the value of the desired attribute is computed. The resulting attribute is also fuzzy and is obtained in the form of a fuzzy set. This fuzzy set contains the extremal and other values of the desired attribute along with their grades of membership. Thus, apart from getting the extremel values, we get the overall picture of the attribute. Since this method is directly applicable for the analysis of subjective tolerances, networks representing humanistic systems may be analysed using this method.     

INTELLIGENT COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING (I-CIM): Research Perspectives

Abstract

Manufacturing automation has progressed through various stages from simple data transfer to the intelligence-intensive systems. The future of CIM relies heavily on intelligence-intensive systems because manufacturing is no longer confined to one local site and manufacturing systems have become complex because of their global nature. In this article, the authors study the future manufacturing environment as a collaborative effort. The essential characteristics-the requirements for integration from a process and communication perspective-are identified as are steps in the process requiring further study. Finally, Intelligent-Computer Integrated Manufacturing (I-CIM) scenarios are presented for specific problems.     

LACTIC ACID FERMENTATION OF SWEET POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS L.) INTO PICKLES

Lactic acid (LA) fermentation has many benefits. It is feasible in small scale, inexpensive, and does not require additives and confers organoleptic characteristics to the foodstuff according to the habits and requirement of the consumers. Sweet potato roots were pickled by lactic fermentation by brining the cut and blanched roots in common salt (NaCl, 2–10%) solution and subsequently inoculated with a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (MTCC 1407) for 28 days. The treatment with 8–10% brine solution was found to be the most acceptable organoleptically. The final product with 8 and 10% brine solutions had a pH of 2.9–3.0, titratable acidity of 2.9–3.7 g/kg, LA of 2.6–3.2 g/kg and starch of 58–68 g/kg on fresh weight basis. Sensory evaluation rated the sweet potato lacto‐pickle acceptable based on texture, taste, aroma, flavor and aftertaste. Principal component analyses reduced the six original analytical variables to two independent components (factors), which accounted for 92% of the total variations.     

Kinetic mesh-free method for flutter prediction in turbomachines

The present paper deals with the development and application of a kinetic theory-based mesh-free method for unsteady flows. The method has the capability to compute on any arbitrary distribution of moving nodes. In general, computation of unsteady flow past multiple moving boundaries using conventional finite volume solvers are quite involved. They invariably require repeated grid generation or an efficient grid movement strategy. This approach becomes more difficult when there are many moving boundaries. In the present work, we propose a simple and an effective node movement strategy for the mesh-free solver. This can tackle the unsteady problems with moving boundaries in a much easier way. Using the present method we have computed unsteady flow in oscillating turbomachinery blades. A simple energy method has been used to predict flutter using the unsteady computations. The results compare well with the available experiments and other computations.     

QUALITY OF SHRIMP SOLD IN THE MARKETS OF HYDERABAD, INDIA

The quality of brackish water pond cultured shrimp purchased from wholesale markets and retail sale points at the time of sale in Hyderabad city was studied. The various hygienic practices followed during the chain of commercial operations were also studied. All the samples collected from either markets had heavy filth. Out of 35 samples collected from the wholesale markets, light filth ranged from 2% to 28%, and it ranged from 8 to 22% in retail market samples. All the shrimp samples purchased from either source contained Staphylococcus spp, and 51% of the shrimp from wholesale markets were found to be contaminated with coliforms, 11% with Salmonella spp and 5% with Vibrio spp whereas 48% of the retail market samples contained coliforms, 11%Salmonella spp and 25% had Proteus spp. None of the samples collected from either source were contaminated with Listeria spp. The extent of bacterial contamination (cfu/g) was more for the samples purchased from the retail sale points than that of the wholesale markets.     

Reduced-graphene-oxide-and-strontium-titanate-based double-layered composite: an efficient microwave-absorbing material

Microwave-absorbing materials based on reduced graphene oxide (r-GO)/strontium titanate were prepared by embedding in epoxy matrix. R-GO and strontium titanate were synthesized and characterized before composite fabrication. Microstructures of the constituent elements were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microwave absorption capabilities of the composite absorbers were investigated using a Vector Network Analyser in the range 8–12 GHz. A maximum reflection loss of ?7.5 and ?16.4 dB was obtained at 9.3 and 12.08 GHz, respectively, for 2% (w/w) r-GO-loaded epoxy composites. A maximum attenuation of ?12.8 dB at 9.3 GHz was obtained for the strontium titanate/epoxy composite. However, double-layer composite with r-GO/strontium titanate/epoxy composition showed the maximum reflection loss of ?15.1 dB at 9.47 GHz and ?9.65 dB at 12.3 GHz. All the results are discussed in terms of complex permeability and permittivity. The study revealed that intrinsic conductivity and polarization of the r-GO particles and dielectric polarization of the strontium titanate within epoxy matrix contribute to the microwave absorption.