Preserving Dependency Relationship Among Real-Time Transactions in Middleware for Replicated DRTDBS

Wireless Personal Communications - Dependency relationship plays an essential role in coordinating and processing the real time transactions (RTTs) in the replicated distributed real time database...     

Fuzzy set based cost model of additive manufacturing with specific example of selective laser sintering

A fuzzy set based cost model for additive manufacturing is proposed. The model is illustrated through an example of selective laser sintering (SLS), a commonly used additive manufacturing (AM) process. Initially, a deterministic cost model is developed. It is then converted to a fuzzy set based model by considering uncertainty in build time estimation and cost components. For the specific case of SLS, a build time estimation procedure is developed as a part of the cost model. A method to evaluate the reliability of the cost estimate in AM and its significance is also introduced. The cost model is illustrated through two examples of products manufactured by SLS.

     

Role of Zinc (Zn) in Human Reproduction: A Journey from Initial Spermatogenesis to Childbirth

Zinc (Zn), the second-most necessary trace element, is abundant in the human body. The human body lacks the capacity to store Zn; hence, the dietary intake of Zn is essential for various functions and metabolism. The uptake of Zn during its transport through the body is important for proper development of the three major accessory sex glands: the testis, epididymis, and prostate. It plays key roles in the initial stages of germ cell development and spermatogenesis, sperm cell development and maturation, ejaculation, liquefaction, the binding of spermatozoa and prostasomes, capacitation, and fertilization. The prostate releases more Zn into the seminal plasma during ejaculation, and it plays a significant role in sperm release and motility. During the maternal, labor, perinatal, and neonatal periods, the part of Zn is vital. The average dietary intake of Zn is in the range of 8–12 mg/day in developing countries during the maternal period. Globally, the dietary intake of Zn varies for pregnant and lactating mothers, but the average Zn intake is in the range of 9.6–11.2 mg/day. The absence of Zn and the consequences of this have been discussed using critical evidence. The events and functions of Zn related to successful fertilization have been summarized in detail. Briefly, our current review emphasizes the role of Zn at each stage of human reproduction, from the spermatogenesis process to childbirth. The role of Zn and its supplementation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) opens opportunities for future studies on reproductive biology.     

Optimization of A-TIG process parameters using response surface methodology

In the present work, the influence of process parameters such as welding current (I), welding speed (S), and flux coating density (F) on different aspects of weld bead geometry for example depth of penetration (DOP), bead width (BW), depth to width ratio (D/W), and weld fusion zone area (WA) were investigated by using the central composite design (CCD). 9–12% Cr ferritic stainless steel (FSS) plates were welded using A-TIG welding. It was observed that all input variables have a direct influence on the DOP, BW, and D/W. However, flux coating density has no significant effect on WA. Mathematical models were generated from the obtained responses to predict the weld bead geometry. An optimized DOP, BW, D/W, and WA of 6.95?mm, 8.76?mm, 0.80, and 41.99?mm², respectively, were predicted at the welding current of 213.78 A, the welding speed of 96.22?mm/min, and the flux coating density of 1.99?mg/cm². Conformity test was done to check the practicability of the developed models. The conformity test results were in good agreement with the predicted values. Arc constriction and reversal in Marangoni convection were considered as major mechanisms for the deep and narrow weld bead during A-TIG welding.