bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of a Conventional and Renewable Energy based Electric Power Generation Systems – A Comparative LCA Study
Authors: Leela Prasad N , Usha Sri P , Vizayakumar K , Srikanth R
Published: February 2021

Electricity, a readily usable form of energy is much in demand in developing countries like India due to the increase in human population and their improved lifestyles. One of the criteria to achieve the developed country tag is per capita consumption of electricity. It means that all developed countries have energy-intensive economies. With climate change effects are coming into fore, countries started scrutinizing the sources of energy and electricity too. Resource intensive traditional or conventional sources of energy with matured technologies on one side and alternative energy technologies that include renewable with developed or yet to fully developed technologies on the other side are competing for electricity pie in almost in every country. This study adopts the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to determine the energy efficiency and environmental impact assessment of two competing electric power generation systems, one based on conventional energy source and another one based on the renewable energy source. It is a common knowledge that renewable systems have better energy efficiency as they do not consume fuel energy as input and also have lower carbon emissions. This study projects what extent they are better for a unit of electricity produced by both competing systems in terms of predefined metrics such as ERR/EPBT, GWP and GWMP in terms of CO2 equivalents and Green Rating for comparative purposes. The study results may be useful for policymakers as a component in the comprehensive decision-making process for energy planning to meet the future human need or greed for electricity with sustainability and also to achieve circular economy goals.
Investigations of contact stresses and wear parameters for pin on disc using different pin materials
Authors: Phani Raja Kumar K , Udaya Bhaskar S , Naga Lakshmi Devi P
Published: February 2021

Wear component is an important factor influencing products service life which is based on material property and their behavior under given conditions. Therefore it is important to predict wear rate of components. In this paper we have discussed the wear parameters of pin on disc by varying pin materials. Numerical analysis was conducted on basis of load for different material components. When two bodies are in contact, contact pressure induces stresses in components.. Due to coefficient of friction, heat is generated between components. Hertz theory has been considered to determine the wear characteristic by using different pin materials on a steel disc. It was observed that aluminium alloy pin on steel disc generated low coefficient of friction, temperature rise and wear rate.
Analysis and optimization of circularity error in drilling Process using statistical technique
Authors: Venkateshwarlu N , Singaravel B , Chandra Shekar K , Deva Prasad S
Published: February 2021

Drilling is a complex manufacturing process and its process parameter optimization enhances machining performance. Titanium alloy is extensively used in automobile and aerospace sectors because of its inherent properties. However, it is categorized into difficult to machine because of its properties. In this work, drilling process is carried out on titanium alloy with different machining conditions. Cutting conditions used are dry, wet and dry with cryogenically treated drill. Experiments are executed as per L9 orthogonal array. Statistical approaches such as orthogonal array and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) are used to find the importance and effects of machining parameters. Process parameters are optimized and the effect of significance is estimated. Input parameters include feed, cutting speed and depth of cut. Output parameter includes circularity error. The result suggests that cryogenically treated carbide tool exhibits better machining performance than the dry and wet of non-treated tool and enhance sustainability in manufacturing.
Comparative Analysis of RPN and Criticality Index for Assessment and Prioritization of Dumper Breakdowns
Authors: Pradeep Kumar M. , Raju N. V. S. , Satish Kumar M. V.
Published: February 2021

Dumper is a repairable equipment which is used to carry and dump the coal in open cast mining (OCM). Due to the enhanced demand for thermal power, the consumption of coal has increased to generate electricity. To meet the demand, coal must be produced and supplied at right time in right quantity. Dumpers, which act as load transport system, carry the coal from the mine to the power plant. Interruptions in the dumpers in the form of failures may result in improper and delayed delivery of coal to the power generating unit. In the interest of proper delivery and production of coal, failures are to be minimized and the reliability of the dumper should be maximized. In this paper, a well-known reliability enhancement metric, i.e., failure mode effect and criticality analysis (FMECA) is used to identify the risk and criticality level of dumper breakdowns. Initially, FMEA is carried out to find out all potential failure modes of functionally significant components of dumpers and thereafter, risk priority number (RPN) and criticality index is computed for each identified failure mode. Further, a comparative analysis of RPN and criticality index is performed to find out the convenient approach to conduct criticality analysis in FMECA.
A Study on bond strength of normal concrete to high volume fly ash concrete
Authors: Naresh J , Lavanya B , Suresh Kumar K
Published: February 2021

Now-a-days the deterioration of concrete is further current due to numerous reasons like improper bonding, corrosion of steel, inferior quality of materials any as improper accomplishment. The deterioration of concrete finishes up in reduction in helpful strength of concrete therefore necessitates the adoption of correct repairing ways in which some repairing/strengthening techniques of concrete structures frequently involve adding new concrete to associate existing concrete 0.5. The bond performance between the existent and repair concretes plays a awfully important role on the powerfulness of this strengthening strategy. Surface treatments like wire - brushing, sandblasting, water spouting, chipping, etc., unit typically adopted. The Bond strength at the interface depends on roughness of the substrate that successively depends on Cohesion and Friction at the interface.at intervals the gift study previous concrete substrates every at 450 angles with vertical and in addition the ash concrete as overlaid material were unreal to live the shear the parameters of the investigation embrace 1) totally utterly completely different grades of concrete substrate (M30 & M60) 2) Roughness condition at the interface (Smooth (as cast) &Rough (chipped indentations)) 3) The overlaid concrete with different percentages of cement replacement with ash (0%, twenty fifth and 50%) 4) Varying percentages of steel reinforcement resisting the shear at the interface (4 No’s of 4mm military intelligence (0.502%) and four No’s of 6mm military intelligence. The specimen adopted is additionally a customary prism size of 400mm X 100mm X 100mm.The take a look at conducted is ‘Slant Shear test’ as per SB 6319 zero.5 5.From shear tests it totally was found that the bond strength between the 2 interfaces was accumulated for twenty fifth ash content in overlaid concrete and reduced for five hundredth ash content in overlaid concrete all the same the roughness of the substrate. However, the magnitude of increase in bond strength relied on the roughness of the substrate. further the presence of Steel reinforcement (Substrate with no treatment for the roughness at the interface) accumulated the bond strength at the interface. From the determined Bond strength at the interface it's tried to estimate the planning constant of Cohesion and magnificence constant of Friction at the interface between the normal concrete and the fly ash overlaid concrete
Solar Grass Cutter Using Embedded Platform An Experimental Validation
Authors: Athina Dhanaraju , Kiran Kumar D , Kalyani R.B. , Vittal Kolli
Published: February 2021

These days, a manually handled machine is used for cutting the grass. The most used energy sources are gasoline and electric power. These sources are not eco-friendly. To reduce pollution as well as human efforts need to develop an automated machine that utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar energy. The main idea behind this paper is to develop a solar-powered grass cutter. A 12-volt battery is incorporated into an automated machine to power the motors used for vehicle movement as well as motors used for rotating the grass trimming blades. The D.C motors are used in this automated machine. The battery is charged through a charging circuit. Particularly in this research work, we have focused on the automated machine is used for trimming the grass. The machine is made up of linear-rotary blades. These blades are functions with the support of the motors. A battery is used for power supply to the motors. A solar panel, as well as an A.C power supply circuit, are cast-off to charge the battery. Ultrasonic sensors are used to detect an obstacle in the path of an automated machine. If any deviation in the traveling path, the automated machine finds the new path to travel by using a free direction sensor. In the future, robotics will play a key role worldwide.
Evaluation of mechanical and antimicrobial properties for indigenously developed Biofilm for food packaging industries
Authors: Rengaraju Balakrishnaraja , Jeevanantham M , Shanmugaraja S , Selvakumar A , Tamilselvi S
Published: February 2021

The preparation of the film based on aloe vera gel and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were carried out in this work. The film has high adhesion due to the presence of polyvinyl alcohol. The mechanical properties like tensile strength and the transparency of the film were tested. The temperature withstanding ability of the film is tested with Thermo gravimetric analysis. The functional groups of the film were identified. The films prepared were evaluated by incorporation of an antifungal and an antibacterial agent which shows marked inhibition on growth of mold, yeast and bacteria. The Shelf life of the vegetables was tested using the film.
Cloud based smart wireless and health care monitoring system
Authors: Nithya Priya S , Ranjith Kumar M , Nibin Sabari Anand N
Published: February 2021

People are facing several health issues due to the stress and unhealthy food habits. But the greater issue being the ignorance towards these two. On this regard we proposed a new idea that is a smart blood pressure and glucose level monitoring system through sensor monitoring system anybody can measure the blood pressure and glucose level, this sensor was interfaced with IOT through raspberry-pi. At first the data of the person’s average blood pressure and glucose level is stored as a data in cloud, and as per the measurements of daily or monthly basis the data will be compared with the cloud through HTTP and MQTT Protocol. If there any changes found in the data, it will automatically forward the message to the hospitals through that the doctor can suggest the person regarding daily routine food through this we can avoid major health problems.
An algorithmic approach for minimizing test power in VLSI circuits
Authors: Poornimasre J. , Rajaguru Hari Kumar
Published: February 2021

Testing is an approach to check the function of the circuit or device under the test after its fabrication. To test the device, test patterns are required. The test patterns can be generated with the help of EDA tool. Those patterns having huge number of unfilled bits. The unfilled bits need to be assigned with certain logical value. This paper proposed two new algorithms. First algorithm assigns the unfilled bits with effective logical value and second algorithm change the order of test set and both algorithms aims to reduce the test power. Investigation on benchmark circuits shows that, the results of proposed algorithms effectively reduces the test power.
Mechanical Concept on Design and Development of Irrigation System to Help Rural Farmers for Their Agriculture Purpose During Unavailability of External Power
Authors: Nayak Ramesh Chandra , Roul Manmatha K. , Sarangi Abhisek , Sarangi Asish , Sahoo Abinash
Published: February 2021

Odisha is one of the states in India, where almost 70% families depend on agriculture. Odisha is a common destination for tropical cyclones that generally initiate in the Bay of Bengal. These cyclones destroy the total agriculture system and electricity infrastructure of Odisha every year. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of any state. Economy can be boosted by the adoption of modern technology and advanced irrigation methods. Continuous irrigation is only possible by using pumps which is operated by diesel, petrol, kerosene or electric power connected with tube well. For such type of arrangement farmers generally depend on electricity, petrol or diesel. But due to continuous electric failure for number of days as a result of frequent cyclones, farmers suffer a lot. With continuous increase in the prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene or electricity, poor farmers find it difficult to bear the cost. The aim and purpose of this work is to develop an irrigation system to help farmers for irrigation purpose to obtain better yields in agriculture with minimum expenses. In the present work mechanical concepts such as Mechanical Advantage (MA), Velocity Ratio (VR), Efficiency, energy storage concepts are used. The system consists of gears, flywheel, handle, bearings and other assembly unit. This arrangement is placed on a frame which is made up of mild steel angles having dimension 40 x 40 x 5 mm. A shaft having 25 mm diameter is used with a flywheel and four numbers of bearings. Driver and driven gears having 200 and 40 number of teethes in simple gear train arrangement are taken in this work. The concept is very simple and its manufacturing process is also very easy. There will be no issue for such type of product as it is environmental friendly and the main purpose of this system is to save the environment and reduce pollution. The idea can be easily implemented because here the input materials are easily available. So by using this system there is no need of any electric supply for irrigation purpose. The work presented here is innovative in nature and has not been developed by any other researchers in the past. By using this system even weak and physically disabled persons can lift water for the purpose of agriculture without any difficulty.
Multi-response optimization of the Thermal properties of Bio fluids using Taguchi-Grey Analysis
Authors: Selvalakshmi  , Karthikeyan I , Immanual R , Paul Vinofer A , Varadha E , Chokkalingam B
Published: February 2021

In order to study and investigate the overall performance of bio fluids for solar thermal applications, this work consists of integration of Taguchi method with Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis. The preparation of bio fluids has three levels of input control parameters such as Type of oil, Percentage of concentration and Stirrer speed. Output optimization indicators for the experiment were chosen as Thermal conductivity, Density and Viscosity. The comparative study made consists of coconut oil, sunflower oil and castor oil in the bio fluids preparation. These oils are available readily in the market and are quite inexpensive. The bio fluids are prepared by mixing the above oil with water in appropriate concentration. The experiment is run for the optimal solution using Taguchi analysis using L9 orthogonal array. The influential parameters which are significant in contributing the performance of bio fluids were studied using ANOVA table. After multi objective parametric optimization, the control parameters optimization level shows the use of Sunflower oil with 15% concentration at 15000 RPM stirrer speed produces the optimal performance. Based on the Ranking and Sum of squares from ANOVA table, it is evident that the most influential parameter is the type of oil followed by Percentage of concentration and Stirrer speed respectively.
Comparative study of Al6061 and AlSi10Mg produced by Selective Laser Melting Process
Authors: Sabarinivas A , Subramanian Dr R
Published: February 2021

Alloy 6061 has an excellent corrosion resistance property. The main advantage of the Aluminium alloy is lightweight. The alloy may be high in strength and suitable for heat treatment. This article discusses the comparison between two different materials namely As-received Al6061 and AlSi10Mg of the component produced by Selective Laser Melting process (SLM). Selective Laser Melting is one of the techniques of Additive Manufacturing or 3D printing. In recent years, Additive manufacturing is increasingly used in several industries including healthcare, automotive, aerospace and defence.
Performance Optimization of Thermoelectric Generators using Taguchi Method
Authors: Ragupathi P. , Barik Debabrata , Aravind S. , Vignesh G.
Published: February 2021

The thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are devices that are utilized to convert the heat energy into electrical energy directly and the working principle of this device is based on See beck effect. Thermoelectric power production is a smart method for the direct translation of heat energy into an electrical one. This work explores a method to get the optimum process parameters on the performance of various TEGs by finding the conversion efficiency to recover the waste heat and converts it into electricity. For this purpose, an experimental setup was designed and fabricated to determine the performance of TEGs. The TEGs made by Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3), Lead Telluride (PbTe), and Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) were taken for the performance analysis. The process variables are heat input, TEG material and temperature difference. The experiments were conducted by using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array to reduce the number of experiments. The results found that the heat input of 90W, TEG material of Bi2Te3 and the temperature difference of 75°C gives the maximum conversion efficiency of 2.45% from thermal to electrical energy. The statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the most influential parameter on the performance of TEGs was heat input. The R2 and R2 (adj) values were found to be 93.25% and 86.50%, this shows that the developed model is significant and can predict the optimal solution.
Design and fabrication of sanitizer sprinkler robot for covid- 19 hospitals
Authors: Sundar raju G , Sivakumar K , Ramakrishnan A , Selvamuthukumaran D , Sakthivel Murugan E
Published: February 2021

The world is severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic health-care workers are hostile to work inside of COVID-19 hospital due to social distancing. Supplying essentials food and delivering medicine in hospitals has a challenge. To address the need of the World health organization and the certified sanitizing system is a solution for personnel and surface decontamination. To overcome the problem developed automatic portable sanitizing equipment for spraying sanitization solution. The portable sanitizer unit is attached to the top of the mobile robot. The system integrates a sprinkler mechanism and is used to distribute air and disinfectant fluid mixture. The mobile robot main components consist of a DC motor, Bluetooth module, Arduino, Motor driver, Submergible pump, Sprinkler, Battery, DC Converters are used. The system is capable of sanitizing the floors of hospitals. The application area can include hospital corridors, medical shops, operation theatre, walking pathways, doctor room, testing center, and patient room, etc.
Susceptibility of Sesbagrandiflorain B against Chlorination: A DFT Study
Authors: Nurhayati Mita , Aziz Hafiz Aji , Martoprawiro Muhamad Abdulkadir
Published: February 2021

Sesbagrandiflorain B is a novel aryl benzofuran derivative isolated from Sesbania grandiflora. Due to its novelty, there is almost no study on the reactivity and properties on this compound. In this study, we perform calculation to determine the reactivity of sesbagrandiflorain B against chlorination reaction based on fukui indices and energy calculation of reactant, intermediate, and product structures. The properties of the system are calculated using DFT B3LYP/6-311++g(d), and to simulate the effect of solvent we employ polarizable continuum model (PCM) on GAMESS-US 2018 package software. From the structure of sesbagrandiflorain B, there are five possible positions that susceptible to chlorination. The energy of reaction in those positions are significantly different from each other with energy of the intermediate formations are 446.48 kJ, 428.06 kJ, 428.63 kJ, 364.08 kJ, and 388.86 kJ, indicating that the selectivity of sesbagrandiflorain B against chlorination reaction. The intermediate formation of sesbagrandiflorain B chlorination that is simulated without solvent tend to be endothermic while the implementation of PCM to the system significantly reduce the intermediate energy, suggesting that the solvent promote the reaction to be thermodynamically driven. For some position, the solvent also stabilizes the product of chlorination reaction.
Investigation on the Fouling and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Novel EGR Cooler (Semi-spiral) for Diesel Engine Fueled with Biodiesel
Authors: Jamali F. , Mustaqimah  , Ghobadian B. , Najafi G. , Zhang Bo , Jiang X.X
Published: February 2021

In this study, heat transfer characteristic and fouling of Novel EGR cooler (Semi-spiral) system were investigated. In this study, waste vegetable oil (Waste Cooking Oil) was used as feedstock for biodiesel production. The experiment was conducted in different loads (25%, 50% and 75%) and different speeds (2100rpm and 2400rpm). Four fuel blends were prepared and used (B0, B5, B10, and B15). The new EGR cooler has 6 tubes in length of 19 cm and overall heat transfer coefficient of 35.63 W/m^2 K which is acceptable with compared to overall heat transfer coefficient of shell and tube heat exchanger. Also, the total resistance of fouling (Rft) derived was 0.002712 m^2 K/W. The maximum heat transfer efficiency is 94% and the minimum heat transfer efficiency is 68%. Also, the results showed that when B0 is used, the deposition was 1.37 gr that amounts to 0.23gr/hr. When B15 is used, the deposition was I.21gr that amounts to 0.20gr/hr.
Implementation of Anti-Profanity Words in Mobile Application Platform
Authors: Razali F , Jusoh Z , Salleh@Omar A , Azizan N
Published: February 2021

Communication technology increases day by day in our daily life due to the rapid growth of variety mobile application platforms. For instance, mobile application users are using chat rooms for sharing data, pictures, videos and documents. However, the users are exposed to receive something inappropriate such as bad words, bad photos and sensitive data in their social media platforms. The developed chat profanity filtering application can be used to detect and filter the bad words before the sender send any messages via the application. One way to detect and filter profanity words is by using the PurgoMalum web service. Therefore, the recipients are unable to view any bad words sent to the chat application. This research has shown that the developed chat profanity filtering application will minimize the potential of users abusing the chat platform in daily communication. Result from this study had successfully demonstrated that the developed chat profanity filtering application could minimize the potentials for users to abuse the chat platforms in communicating various forms of obscenity. Therefore, chat profanity filtering application was developed to minimize the abusing of social media platform in daily communication.
Secure Database on Attendance Verification System by using Data Masking Technique
Authors: Miserom Siti Faizah , Sabri Shima , Aida Fatin Farina , Ismail Noraini
Published: February 2021

Data Masking Technique is a system designed to secure sensitive data by replacing the front data but not the original data. For instance, the data masking techniques capable to hide any data from being viewed by any unauthorized users. However, fewer studies about data masking techniques in the attendance system are implemented. Previous studies have primarily concentrated on defining sensitive data exposure and the technique of securing sensitive data using data masking. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to integrate the use of the data masking technique towards the attendance verification system. Thus, it is sufficient to stop unauthorized users from accessing confidential data. This study also applied the iterative model as a software development methodology as well as integrated with the hashing concept. Therefore, the attendance verification system can be used to perform the functionalities of easily manage records. By using this technique, the attendance of a student was added with a security element. The result shows that data masking and hashing techniques ensure the confidentiality of student data from being viewed by unauthorized parties. The authorized person is the ability to see the masked of sensitive student data. The significance of this study is capable to implement the security element on the attendance system and verify the user before entering the system
Modelling and Validation of Seismic Performance for Corner and Interior Beam-column Joint Using HYSTERES Program
Authors: Hamid N H , Hadi N D
Published: February 2021

The validation between experimental and modelled hysteresis loops is a preliminary work in determining the dynamic behaviour of the beam-column joints under earthquake excitations using Ruaumoko 2D program. However, this paper only focuses on accurately modelling the hysteresis loops of corner and interior beam-column joint using the HYSTERES Program. The corner and interior beam-column joints were designed using Eurocode 8 and equipped with unbonded fuse-bars which acts as passive energy dissipators. The hysteresis loops were modelled based on the input parameters obtained from the experimental hysteresis loops. From the HYSTERES program, the Pampanin Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joint was chosen to represent the hysteretic behaviour (load versus displacement) for overall seismic behaviour of these joints. The lateral strength capacity, stiffness, ductility and equivalent viscous damping from experimental and modelled hysteresis loops were then compared, and the percentage difference from both hysteresis loops was calculated. Based on the outcomes, there are some parameters which have shown good agreement, and this proves the effectiveness of using HYSTERES program in modelling the hysteresis loops of the beam-column joints.
Parcel Tracking System Using Barcode Scanner with Verified Notification
Authors: Zainudin Juanita , Samad Hafiza , Miserom Faizah , Sabri Shima
Published: February 2021

The emergence of electronic commerce online shopping has significantly increased the use of mail-order within Kolej University Poly-Tech Mara (KUPTM) communities. The tracking system provided by the courier services offers the status of delivery for each parcel until it reaches the designated destination. However, inefficiencies of managing the parcels at KUTPM may causing lost or misplaced. Therefore, the study offers an innovative approach where the study intended to invent a parcel tracking delivery and management systems for KUPTM communities. In particular, this invention relates to computerized tracking of delivered parcels using the barcode or tracking number that will notify recipients via Short Message Service (SMS) notification. The primary purpose of this study is to develop an efficient and secured system called the Parcel Tracking System. The system used a web-based service for managing and tracking the parcel. The development method of this system uses PHP and JavaScript programming languages in Adobe Dreamweaver platform with MySQL programme as the backend of the system. This paper focuses on the development process of the Parcel Tracking System. The findings found that the efficiencies of parcel tracking and security management are significantly improved. The application of Parcel Tracking System is promising and efficient for KUPTM communities. It is evidently that the proposed system was found successful and beneficial for KUPTM communities in tracking and managing parcels efficiently.
Techno-economic efficiencies and environmental criteria of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion closed Rankine cycle using different working fluids
Authors: Samsuri N , Sazali N , Jamaludin A S , Razali M N M
Published: February 2021

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a foundation for an appealing renewable energy technology owing to its vast and inexhaustible resources of energy, stability, and sustainable output. Development of OTEC power plant is to exploit the energy accumulated in between the top layer of warm surface seawater (heat source), and the cold layer of deep seawater (heat sink). It operates based on Rankine cycle to produce electricity between the source and the sink at the smallest temperature difference of approximately 20 K. OTEC power plant commonly utilized ammonia as working fluid. Nevertheless, ammonia poses potential lethal health risks and hazardous fluid. Hence, the effect of the working fluid types and the subsequent operation conditions may be critical and therefore become the subject of this study. In addition to OTEC power plant’s thermodynamic efficiencies study, this research also explores the economic efficiencies in term of capital cost per net power output ($/kW) and environmental criteria of different working fluids including that of ammonia, ammonia-water mixture (0.9), propane, and refrigerants (R22, R32, R134a, R143a, and R410a). The results showed that ammonia-water mixture gave the excellent performance with regard to the characteristics of heat transfer with the best thermodynamic efficiency of 4.04% compared to pure ammonia with 3.21%, propane with 3.09%, followed by refrigerants from 3.03% to 3.13%. Capital cost of using propane was economically efficient with 15730 $/kW compared to ammonia-water mixture at 16201$/kW, refrigerants from 16990 $/kW to 21400 $/kW, and pure ammonia being the costliest at 21700 $/kW. Despite being lower in its thermodynamic efficiency, propane gave the lowest capital cost and had the lowest toxicity in contrast to all other working fluids. Therefore, propane has the potential to be used as a clean and safe working fluid that would further enhance the OTEC technology.
Validation of Modal Analysis of Two-Storey Reinforced Concrete Frame
Authors: Azmi I F , Hamid N H , Mirza W I I Wan Iskandar , Abdul Rani M N , Yunus M A
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to perform experimental modal analysis of two-storey reinforced concrete frame which designed using BS 8110 without seismic load and validate the experimental result with model using finite element analysis software. Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) is the process of determining the modal parameters such as natural frequencies, damping factors, modal vectors and mode shape of a structure from a set of frequency response functions. The experimental work was conducted on half-scale of two-storey reinforced concrete frame at Heavy Structural Laboratory. Moreover, the Impact Modal Testing and response accelerometer are employed to determine the modes of vibration of a structure during experiments without imposed any in-plane lateral force. The experimental natural frequencies, which are extracted from measurements, exhibit good agreement with analytical model predictions. It shows that experimental modal analysis method can be usefully employed to investigate the dynamic behaviour of reinforced concrete frame due to the minimum percentage error between experimental modal analysis and computer software analysis.
Buckling Analysis of Curve Stiffened Fuselage Panel of Very Light Jet Aircraft
Authors: Chandra Devi , Satria Eka , Yusoff Nukman
Published: February 2021

Buckling characteristic of curve stiffened fuselage panel of very light jet (VLJ) aircraft which use one of rivet or friction stir welding (FSW) joint on its stringer-frame-skin connections has been investigated by employing finite element methods. The linear and non-linear finite element analyses were used to determine the effects of stringer shapes and pitch on the buckling load of the fuselage panel. The buckling modes of all fuselage panels have also been observed. The material, boundary, and geometric non-linearity were applied on the fuselage panel in the analysis. Degradation of material elastic modulus around Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) due to friction stir welding processes has been taken into account. The results show that the buckling load of curve FSW stiffened fuselage panel slightly smaller than that curve rivet stiffened fuselage panel for all stringer shapes and stringer pitch. Besides, the curve stiffened fuselage panel with a smaller stringer pith has a higher critical buckling load and higher loading capacity. Both curve rivet and curve FSW stiffened fuselage panels with close hat stringer shape have a better loading capacity than with the open hat and the Z-stringer shape.
Microstructure and Corrosion Rate of the Hot Rolled Mg- 1.6Gd Alloys as Prospective Degradable Implant Materials
Authors: Susanti O , Dwiputra D
Published: February 2021

At present, degradable materials implants with the capability of high loads for the temporary replacement of bones and biocompatible are not been available much more. Mg-Gd alloys have been intensively observed as appropriate degradable materials, since they combine a good strength and corrosion rate. Thus, the aim of this study is development of Mg-Gd alloys as materials implant with biomechanical tailored properties. Mg-1.6Gd alloys of hot rolled at severe reduction of 80% at 40 % per stage with a speed of 10 mm/min. The hot rolled was employed by cross rolling with 0° rolling direction first and followed by changing the rolling direction to 90° each pass (for two time). The hot rolled of the alloys have been investigated in the temperature range recrystallization (400- 550 °C). Meanwhile, the corrosion experiments also were research after 3, 7 and 14 days of immersion in Ringers solution. The phenomena of corrosion was observed using optical and weight of the samples before and after immersion. The Results show that the hot rolling techniques reveals refine microstructure with the grain size range of 50-60 μm. The number of precipitates have been founded on the cross rolling, particularly at the higher temperature and the highest corrosion rate occurs on the short immersion time for 3 days.
Thermogravimetric Analysis of Densified Coco Peat Briquettes
Authors: Pratoto A , Abhen A J
Published: February 2021

The present work deals with the investigation of thermal decomposition of densified coco peat briquettes using the thermogravimetry method to elucidate the effect of finite size of the biomass briquette on the decomposition profile. The cylindrical samples are varied in term of its density and its shape (sphericity). The sample is heated in a nitrogen atmosphere at different heating rates, ranging from 5°C/min to 20°C/min. The TG curves show three distinct phases of decomposition, i.e. preheating and drying, devolatilization, and char reduction. For all samples, thermal decomposition shifts to higher temperatures with the increase in the heating rate. From the TG curves, it is shown that the initial degradation temperature varies from 181°C to 302°C and the final degradation temperature varies from 328°C to 608°C. The shift to higher temperatures is also observed for the less dense briquettes. The shape of the briquettes affects also the decomposition profile. The less spherical (less of contact area) sample will decompose at higher temperatures. From the DTG curves, it can be seen that the maximum thermal degradation rate takes place at varying temperature ranging from 243°C to 419°C. The peak temperatures depend on the heating rate. However, the density and the shape of the biomass have no appreciable effect on the peak temperature.
Finite Element Modelling and Updating of a Thin Plate Structure using Normal Mode Analysis
Authors: Bahari A R , Yunus M A , Abdul Rani M N , Mirza W I I Wan Iskandar , Aziz Shah M A S , Yahya Z
Published: February 2021

Structural design and analysis require accurate and precise finite element model in order to have a structure with high safety conditions such as aerospace, offshore and civil structures. However, the predicted results of the finite element model are often considerably different from the experimental results due to the modelling assumptions and simplifications on the properties and parameters of the actual structure. This paper presents the finite element modelling and updating methods on the thin plate structure. The modal parameters obtained from the plate are measured by experimental modal analysis by using an impact hammer and roving accelerometers method under free-free boundary conditions. The initial modal parameters are predicted by numerical analysis using normal mode analysis via NASTRAN SOL 103. The accuracy of the natural frequencies and the mode shapes obtained from the initial finite element model are compared with the measured counterparts. The modal based updating methods using NASTRAN SOL 200 is applied to update the properties of the plate. In conclusion, updating the material properties of the plate is successfully achieved. The total error of the initial finite element model of the plate is reduce from 45.12 percent to 6.28 percent respectively.
In2O3 microspheres decorated with ZnIn2S4 nanosheets as core-shell hybrids for boosting visible-light photodegradation of organic dyes
Authors: Li Ping , Liang Tingting , Liu Huan , Li Jingzhe , Duo Shuwang , Xu Xun , Qiu Lingfang , Wen Xiaoqing , Shi Raoyuan
Published: February 2021

In this work, we firstly report the development of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets decorating In2O3 microspheres with core–shell structure by an in situ synthetic process, which is proved to be an effective method to construct promising semiconductor photocatalysts for photodegradation of methyl blue (MB) under visible-light conditions. Under visible-light illumination, the 2D/3D ZnIn2S4 nanosheet/In2O3 microsphere hybrids exhibit excellent enhancing photoactivity than that of pristine In2O3, The effect of ZnIn2S4 substitution on photoactivity was also investigated for comparative experiments and it was found that the optimized ZnIn2S4/In2O3-1:1 hybrid exhibits the highest photoactivity of 84.5%. The experimental results indicated that the reputably photocatalytic performance of ZnIn2S4/In2O3 can be attributed to the synergistic effect of efficient separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, extended visible-light response range, and the improved specific surface area. Furthermore, the roles of ·

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·OH, and h+ during the photodegradation process were studied to deduce the possible degradation mechanism. This work provides an effective strategy to construct the In2O3-based photocatalytic systems for efficient photodegradation of organic pollutants, which would be significant for the design of more In2O3-based systems for promising photocatalytic applications.
Home and Workplace Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Behavior-related Health: A Within-individual Analysis
Authors: Raza Auriba , Claeson Martin , Magnusson Hanson Linda , Westerlund Hugo , Virtanen Marianna , Halonen Jaana I
Published: February 2021

Background

The influence of individual and home neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) on health-related behaviors have been widely studied, but the majority of these studies have neglected the possible impact of the workplace neighborhood SES.

Objective

To examine within-individual associations between home and work place neighborhood SES and health-related behaviors in employed individuals.

Methods

We used participants from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health who responded to a minimum of two surveys between 2012 and 2018. Data included 12,932 individuals with a total of 35,332 observations. We used fixed-effects analysis with conditional logistic regression to examine within-individual associations of home, workplace, as well as time-weighted home and workplace neighborhood SES index, with self-reported obesity, physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and disturbed sleep.

Results

After adjustment for covariates, participants were more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption when they worked in a workplace that was located in the highest SES area compared to time when they worked in a workplace that was located in the lowest SES area (adjusted odds ratios 1.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.12 to 3.49). There was an indication of an increased risk of obesity when individuals worked in the highest compared to the time when they worked in the lowest neighborhood SES area (1.71; 1.02–2.87). No associations were observed for the other outcomes.

Conclusion

These within-individual comparisons suggest that workplace neighborhood SES might have a role in health-related behaviors, particularly alcohol consumption.
The Impact of a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Lifestyle Intervention on Sleep Among Latina Postpartum Women
Authors: Hawkins Marquis , Marcus Bess , Pekow Penelope , Rosal Milagros C , Tucker Katherine L , Spencer Rebecca M C , Chasan-Taber Lisa
Published: February 2021

Background

Poor sleep is associated with adverse outcomes among postpartum women. Exercise may improve sleep, but this has not been well examined in the postpartum period.

Purpose

To examine the impact of a culturally modified, individually tailored lifestyle intervention on sleep outcomes among postpartum Latina women.

Methods

Estudio PARTO was a randomized controlled trial aimed at reducing Type 2 diabetes among Latina women with abnormal glucose tolerance in pregnancy. Participants were randomized to a lifestyle (i.e., diet and exercise; n = 70) or a health and wellness control intervention (n = 78) in late pregnancy (baseline). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure sleep quality (PSQI score), onset latency (minutes per night), duration (hours per night), efficiency (percentage of the time in bed asleep), and daytime dysfunction at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum.

Results

Mean PSQI score (6.56 ± 3.87), sleep duration (6.84 ± 1.75 hr/night), and sleep efficiency (79.70% ± 18.10%) did not differ between the arms at baseline. Mixed-effects models indicated a greater decrease of 1.29 in PSQI score (i.e., improved sleep quality) in the lifestyle versus health and wellness arm (95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.50 to −0.08, p = .04) over follow-up. There was the suggestion of a smaller decrease in sleep duration (mean = 0.48 hr/night, 95% CI = −0.10 to 1.06, p = .10) in the lifestyle versus health and wellness arm. There were no statistically significant differences in other sleep outcomes between arms.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that lifestyle interventions improve sleep quality but not sleep duration, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, or daytime dysfunction in postpartum Latina women and, therefore, may hold promise for improving subsequent mental and physical health in this population.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01679210.
Hope, Optimism, and Clinical Pain: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shanahan Mackenzie L , Fischer Ian C , Hirsh Adam T , Stewart Jesse C , Rand Kevin L
Published: February 2021

Background

Generalized expectancies have been theorized to play key roles in pain-related outcomes, but the empirical findings have been mixed.

Purpose

The primary aim of this meta-analysis was to quantify the relationships between two of the most researched positive generalized expectancies (i.e., hope and optimism) and pain-related outcomes (i.e., pain severity, physical functioning, and psychological dysfunction) for those experiencing clinical pain.

Methods

A total of 96 studies and 31,780 participants with a broad array of pain diagnoses were included in analyses, using random-effects models.

Results

Both hope and optimism had negative correlations with pain severity (hope: r = –.168, p < .001; optimism: r = –.157, p < .001), positive correlations with physical functioning (hope: r = .199, p < .001; optimism: r = .175, p < .001), and negative correlations with psychological dysfunction (hope: r = –.349, p = .001; optimism: r = –.430, p <.001).

Conclusion

The current findings suggest that hope and optimism are similarly associated with adaptive pain-related outcomes. Future research should examine the efficacy of interventions on hope and optimism in ameliorating the experience of clinical pain.
Tools and tactics for postdischarge medication management interventions
Authors: Pevnick Joshua M , Anderson Laura J , Chirumamilla Siri , Luong Duong D , Noh Lydia E , Palmer Katherine , Amer Kallie , Shane Rita R , Nuckols Teryl K , Lesser Rachel B , Schnipper Jeffrey L
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To identify interventions for organizational pharmacist-leaders and frontline pharmacy staff to optimize peri- and postdischarge medication management.

An evidence-based toolkit was systematically constructed on the basis of findings of 3 systematic overviews of systematic reviews. The interventions were reviewed by a technical expert panel and categorized as either tools or tactics. The identified tools are instruments such as diagrams, flow charts, lists, tables, and templates used in performing a distinct operation, whereas identified tactics reflect broader methods (eg, reduced dosing frequency). Tools and tactics were chosen on the basis of their potential to improve postdischarge medication management, with a focus on interventions led by pharmacy staff that may reduce hospital readmissions among older, sicker patients. Overall, 23 tools and 2 tactics were identified. The identified tools include items such as education, text messaging, and phone calls. The tactics identified are dose simplification and monetary incentives. Practical information has also been provided to facilitate implementation.

Conclusion

Several tools and tactics are available to optimize peri- and postdischarge medication management. Organizational pharmacist-leaders and frontline pharmacy staff can implement these interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Increasing rural patient access using clinical pharmacy specialist providers: Successful practice integration within the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Groppi Julie A , Ourth Heather , Tran Michael , Morreale Anthony P , McFarland Michael Shawn , Moore Tera D , Jorgenson Terri , Torrise Virginia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Access to care is a critical issue facing healthcare and affects patients living in rural and underserved areas more significantly. This led the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to launch a project that leveraged the expertise of the clinical pharmacy specialist (CPS) provider, embedding 180 CPS providers into primary care, mental health, and pain management across the nation.

Methods

This multidimensional project resulted in hiring 111 CPS providers in primary care, 40 CPS providers in mental health, and 35 CPS providers in pain management to serve rural veterans’ needs. From October 2017 to March 2020, CPS providers provided direct patient care to 213,477 veterans within 606,987 visits. This was an average of 43,000 additional visits each quarter to support comprehensive medication management services, demonstrating an additional 219,823 visits in fiscal year 2018 and 232,030 visits in fiscal year 2019. Over the course of the project, the team provided mentorship to 164 CPS providers, performed consultative visits at 27 VA facilities, and trained 180 CPS providers in educational boot camps.

Conclusion

VA funding of rural health initiatives adding CPS providers to primary care, mental health, and pain teams has resulted in positive measures of comprehensive medication management, interdisciplinary team satisfaction, facility leadership acceptance, and multiple positive outcomes.