bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal Mechanical Stretching to Imprint Pores Morphology of Nitrocellulose Membrane for Immuno-sensing Application
Authors: Khamis Mohamad Faizal , Low Siew Chun 
Published: March 2020

Performance of membrane such as the lateral flow wicking time and protein binding ability are important to generate consistent results for diagnostics purposes. Different diagnostic kit need different surface properties of membrane, structures and dimension. This work evaluates the feasibility of controlling membrane pores morphology through thermal-mechanical stretching. Results shows that membrane fabricated using longer nitrocellulose (NC) polymer chain length produced smaller pores with lower porosity (56%). Thus, it took longer time of 32s to migrate the testing liquid along the membrane strip. By having higher membrane’s porosity (72.3%), the membrane synthesized using shorter NC chain length exhibited faster wicking time, which is 3 times faster (wicking time of 8s) than that of the membrane produced with longer NC chain length. In terms of the thermal-mechanical stretching effects, the stretched membranes (both uniaxial and biaxial directions) had demonstrated improved immunoassay performances compared to the unstretched membrane. Specifically, uniaxial stretching is preferable than biaxial stretching configuration, due to the great improvement of lateral wicking time (22% faster) without jeopardize the membrane protein binding capacity (only 1.7% decrement), in relative to the unstretched membrane. This study provides some interesting insight on the physical membrane modification to provide better performance in immunoassay applications.
Numerical Modeling of the Behaviors of Sacrificial Polymers on Reducing Surfactant Loss
Authors: Shi Erxiu , Cure David , Feng Yin , Ying Hao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe use of surfactants to alter the reservoir hydrocarbons affinity toward the injection fluids is an effective method to improve oil recovery for depleted reservoirs. However, the actual field applications of this technique are limited by economical complications such as the loss of surfactants in the reservoir rock pores. Reducing the adsorption of surfactants to the reservoir rock can be achieved through adding sacrificial agents to the injection slug. These sacrificial agents such as polymers can engage in a competitive behavior with surfactants for the adsorption on the reservoir rock surface. In this paper, a mathematical model that accounts for the interactive behaviors (adsorption and desorption) among multispecies nanoparticles in porous media was developed and validated by comparing with laboratory data to demonstrate its capability in solving adsorptive behaviors between surfactant and sacrificial polymers. An iterative solution associated with the presented model was verified by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to prove its correctness in simulations. Three groups of computational experiments were designed, and four operational scenarios were analyzed for each group to compare various injection plans and investigate the effect of desorption rates of sacrificial polymers on relieving the loss of surfactant. Finally, the 1D solution was integrated into an in-house streamline simulator that indicates its compatibility to be integrated into streamline-based simulation procedures and its potential in solving for more complex 3D heterogeneous problems.
Design Features of MAN B&W Medium Speed Diesel Engines Optimizing Life Cycle Costs
Authors: Wachtmeister Georg , Koehler Horst W. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
It is not only fuel and lube oil costs which determine life cycle costs of a diesel engine, but also maintenance costs and costs for replacements of wear components. All these costs are linked to the individual design of the engine and its capability to burn a variety of fuels, including low-priced heavy fuel oils. As an example, the paper describes several main components of MAN B&W medium-speed diesel engines (engine block, liner, piston) and how they contribute to lower life cycle costs by easier maintenance procedures, longer TBOs and longer life times. To achieve this is a challenging task for the engine manufacturer, since other strong market requirements such as reduced exhaust gas emissions or high power density have to be fulfilled simultaneously.
Effects of Diesel / Water Emulsion on Heat Flow and Thermal Loading in a Precombustion Chamber Diesel Engine
Authors: Selim M. Y. E. , Elfeky S. M. S. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
An experimental investigation has been carried out to study the effects of using water / diesel emulsion fuel in an indirect injection diesel engine on the heat flux crossing liner and cylinder head, thermal loading and metal temperature distribution. A single cylinder precombustion chamber diesel engine has been used in the present work. The engine was instrumented for performance, metal temperature and heat flux measurements. The pure gas oil fuel and different ratios of water / diesel emulsion were used and their effects on the heat flux level and the injector tip temperature are studied. Two correlation were found for the heat flux crossing the liner and the cylinder head at various water / diesel emulsion ratios, fuelling rate and thermocouple probe locations. It was found that the addition of water to diesel fuel, to control the nitrogen oxides emissions, has great influence on reducing die heat flux, the metal temperatures and thermal loading of combustion chamber components.
Mechanical Design of Turbine Blades With Interlocking Tip Shrouds
Authors: Toler David F. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In contrast to the substantial body of literature regarding turbine aerodynamics and performance, there is a virtual absence of literature on the mechanical design of turbine components. As a contribution to this discipline, this paper is intended to provide an overview of a systematic approach for the mechanical design of turbine blades with interlocking tip shrouds which will result in a near-optimum mechanical and aerodynamic design for an industrial gas turbine.
Robust foreground modelling to segment and detect multiple moving objects in videos
Authors: Patil Rahul M. , K. P. Chethan , Nasreen Azra , G. Shobha 
Published: March 2020

Last decade has witnessed an ever increasing number of video surveillance installations due to the rise of security concerns worldwide. With this comes the need for video analysis for fraud detection, crime investigation, traffic monitoring to name a few. For any kind of video analysis application, detection of moving objects in videos is a fundamental step. In this paper, an efficient foreground modelling method to segment multiple moving objects is implemented. Proposed method significantly reduces noise thereby accurately segmenting region of interest under dynamic conditions while handling occlusion to a large extent. Extensive performance analysis shows that the proposed method was found to give far better results when compared to the de facto standard as well as relatively new approaches used for
moving object detection.
On the performance of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) using FPGA
Authors: Ahmed Mohamad Abdulrahman , Mahmmod Khalid F. , Azeez Mohammed M. 
Published: March 2020

In this paper, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is designed and implemented for the fifth generation (5G) of multi-user wireless communication. Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is considered for the implementation of this technique for two users. NOMA is applied in downlink phase of the base-station (BS) by applying power allocation mechanism for far and near users, in which one signal contains the superposition of two scaled signals depending on the distance of each user from the BS. We assume an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel for each user in the presence of the interference due to the non-orthogonality between the two users’ signals. Therefore, successive-interference cancellation (SIC) is exploited to remove the undesired signal of the other user. The outage probability and the bit-error rate performance are presented over different signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). Furthermore, Monte-Carlo simulations via Matlab are utilized to verify the results obtained by FPGA, which show exact-close match.
A cognitive robot equipped with autonomous tool innovation expertise
Authors: Wicaksono Handy , Sammut Claude 
Published: March 2020

Like a human, a robot may benefit from being able to use a tool to solve
a complex task. When an appropriate tool is not available, a very useful ability for a robot is to create a novel one based on its experience.
With the advent of inexpensive 3D printing, it is now possible to give robots such an ability, at least to create simple tools. We proposed a method for learning how to use an object as a tool and, if needed, to design and construct a new tool. The robot began by learning an action model of tool use for
a PDDL planner by observing a trainer. It then refined the model by learning by trial and error. Tool creation consisted of generalising an existing tool model and generating a novel tool by instantiating the general model. Further learning by experimentation was performed. Reducing the search space of potentially useful tools could be achieved by providing a tool ontology.
We then used a constraint solver to obtain numerical parameters from abstract descriptions and use them for a ready-to-print design. We evaluated our system using a simulated and a real Baxter robot in two cases: hook and wedge. We found that our system performs tool creation successfully.
Binary operation based hard exudate detection and fuzzy based classification in diabetic retinal fundus images for real time diagnosis applications
Authors: Pradeep Arun , Joseph X Felix 
Published: March 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most considerable reasons for visual impairment. The main objective of this paper is to automatically detect and recognize DR lesions like hard exudates, as it helps in diagnosing and screening of the disease. Here, binary operation based image processing for detecting lesions and fuzzy logic based extraction of hard exudates on diabetic retinal images are discused. In the initial stage, the binary operations are used to identify the exudates. Similarly, the RGB channel space of the DR image is used to create fuzzy sets and membership functions for extracting the exudates. The membership directives obtained from the fuzzy rule set are used to detect the grade of exudates. In order to evaluate the proposed approach, experiment tests are carriedout on various set of images and the results are verified. From the experiment results, the sensitivity obtained is 98.10%, specificity is 96.96% and accuracy is 98.2%. These results suggest that the proposed method could be a diagnostic aid for ophthalmologists in the screening for DR.
Development of stereo matching algorithm based on sum of absolute RGB color differences and gradient Matching
Authors: Hamzah Rostam Affendi , Yeou Wei M. G. , Nik Anwar N. Syahrim 
Published: March 2020

This paper proposes a new stereo matching algorithm which uses local-based method. The Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) algorithm produces accurate result on the disparity map for the textured regions. However, this algorithm is sensitive to low texture areas and high noise on images with high different brightness and contrast. To get over these problems, the proposed algorithm utilizes SAD algorithm with RGB color channels differences and combination of gradient matching to improve the accuracy on the images with high brightness and contrast. Additionally, an edge-preserving filter is used at the second stage which is known as Bilateral Filter (BF). The BF filter is capable to work with the low texture areas and to reduce the noise and sharpen the images. Additionally, BF is strong against the distortions due to high brightness and contrast. The proposed work in this paper produces accurate results and performs much better compared with some established algorithms. This comparison is based on the standard quantitative measurements using the stereo benchmarking evaluation from the Middlebury.
Generalized optimal placement of PMUs considering power system observability, communication infrastructure, and quality of service requirements
Authors: Elroby M. M. H. , Mekhamer S. F. , Talaat H. E. A. , Hassan M. A. Moustafa 
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a generalized optimal placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) considering power system observability, reliability, Communication Infrastructure (CI), and latency time associated with this CI. Moreover, the economic study for additional new data transmission paths is considered as well as the availability of predefined locations of some PMUs and the preexisting communication devices (CDs) in some buses. Two cases for the location of the Control Center Base Station (CCBS) are considered; predefined case and free selected case. The PMUs placement and their required communication network topology and channel capacity are
co-optimized simultaneously. In this study, two different approaches are applied to optimize the objective function; the first approach is combined from Binary Particle Swarm Optimization-Gravitational Search Algorithm (BPSOGSA) and the Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) algorithm, while the second approach is based only on BPSOGSA. The feasibility of the proposed approaches are examined by applying it to IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 118-bus systems.
A review of optimal operation of microgrids
Authors: Karthik N. , Parvathy A. K. , Arul R. 
Published: March 2020

The term microgrid refers to small-scale power grid that can operate autonomously or in concurrence with the area’s main electrical grid.
The intermittent characteristic of DGs which defies the power quality and voltage manifests the requirement for new planning and operation approaches for microgrids. Consequently, conventional optimization methods in new power systems have been critically biased all through
the previous decade. One of the main technological and inexpensive tools in this regard is the optimal generation scheduling of microgrid. As a primary optimization tool in the planning and operation fields, optimal operation has an undeniable part in the power system. This paper reviews and evaluates
the optimal operation approaches mostly related to microgrids. In this work, the foremost optimal generation scheduling approaches are compared in terms of their objective functions, techniques and constraints. To conclude,
a few fundamental challenges occurring from the latest optimal generation scheduling techniques in microgrids are addressed.
Enhancing radial distribution system performance by optimal placement of DSTATCOM
Authors: Mekhamer S. F. , Shehata R. H. , Abdelaziz A. Y. , Al-Gabalawy M. A. 
Published: March 2020

In this paper, A novel modified optimization method was used to find
the optimal location and size for placing distribution Static Compensator in the radial distribution test feeder in order to improve its performance by minimizing the total power losses of the test feeder, enhancing the voltage profile and reducing the costs. The modified grey wolf optimization algorithm is used for the first time to solve this kind of optimization problem. An objective function was developed to study the radial distribution system included total power loss of the system and costs due to power loss in system. The proposed method is applied to two different test distribution feeders (33 bus and 69 bus test systems) using different Dstatcom sizes and the acquired results were analyzed and compared to other recent optimization methods applied to the same test feeders to ensure the effectiveness of
the used method and its superiority over other recent optimization mehods. The major findings from obtained results that the applied technique found
the most minimized total power loss in system ,the best improved voltage profile and most reduction in costs due power loss compared to other methods
.
Application of resistance energy model to optimising electric power consumption of a belt conveyor system
Authors: Akparibo Awingot Richard , Normanyo Erwin 
Published: March 2020

Driven by constantly increasing energy demands, prices, environmental impact caused by carbon dioxide emissions and global warming, efficient use of energy is gaining grounds in both public and private enterprises. The energy consumption of belt conveyors can be lowered using energy modelling techniques. In this research,
a resistance-based mathematical energy model was utilised in
the electrical energy efficiency optimisation of the troughed, inclined belt conveyor system taking into account indentation rolling resistance, bulk solid flexure resistance and secondary resistance as they together contribute 89% resistance to motion. An optimisation problem was formulated to optimise the electrical energy efficiency of the belt conveyor system and subsequently solved using
the “fmincon” solver and interior point algorithm of the MATLAB optimisation toolbox. Analysis of simulation results showed that for the same given operating capacities, an average energy saving of about 7.42% and an annual total cost savings of Gh¢ 5, 852, 669.00 (USD 1, 083, 827.59) for a 2592-hour operation can be achieved when the used model and optimisation technique are employed over the constant speed operation.
Feasibility analysis of an off-grid photovoltaic-battery energy system for a farm facility
Authors: Babatunde Damilola Elizabeth , Babatunde Olubayo Moses , Uzoamaka Emezirinwune Micheal , Denwigwe Iheanacho Henry , Okharedia Taiwo Emmanuel , Omodara Oladele Julius 
Published: March 2020

Renewable energy plays a very important role in the improvement and promotion of environmental sustainability in agricultural-related activities.
This paper evaluates the techno-economic and environmental benefits of deploying photovoltaic (PV)- battery systems in a livestock farmhouse.
For the energy requirements of the farm to be determined, a walkthrough energy audit is conducted on the farmhouse. The farm selected for this study is located in southern Nigeria. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Hybrid Optimization Modeling for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software was adapted for the purpose of the techno-economic analysis. It is found that a standalone PV/battery-powered system in farmhouse applications has higher economic viability when compared to its diesel-powered counterparts in terms of total net present cost (TNPC). A saving of 48% is achievable over the TNPC and Cost of Energy with zero emissions. The results obtained show
the numerous benefits of replacing diesel generators with renewable energy sources such as PV-battery systems in farming applications.
Design and control technique for single phase bipolar H-bridge inverter connected to the grid
Authors: Hassaine Linda , Bengourina Mohamed Rida 
Published: March 2020

The power quality injected into the grid and the performance of the converter system depend on the quality of the inverter current control.
This paper proposes a design and control technique for a photovoltaic inverter connected to the grid based on the digital pulse-width modulation (DSPWM) which can synchronise a sinusoidal output current with a grid voltage and control a power factor. The current injected must be sinusoidal with reduced harmonic distortion. The connected PV system is based on H-Bridge inverter controlled by bipolar PWM Switching. The current control technique and functional structure of this system are presented and simulated. Detailed analysis, Simulations results of output voltage and current waveform demonstrate the contribution of this approach to determinate the suitable control of the system. A digital design of a generator PWM using VHDL is proposed and implemented on an Xilinx FPGA and it has been validated with experimental results. As a result, the proposed inverter implementation is simple, and it becomes an attractive solution for low power grid connected applications.
Hybrid branch prediction for pipelined MIPS processor
Authors: Al-Khalid Ali S. , Omran Safaa S. 
Published: March 2020

In the modern microprocessors that designed with pipeline stages,
the performance of these types of processors will be affected when executing branch instructions, because in this case there will be stalls in the pipeline. In turn this causes in reducing the Cycle Per Instruction (CPI) of the processor. In the case of executing a branch instruction, the processor needs an extra clocks to know if that branch will happen (Taken) or not (Not Taken) and also it requires calculating the new address in the case of the branch is Taken. The prediction that the branch is T / NT is an important stage in enhancing the processor performance. In this research more than one method of branch prediction (hybrid) is used and the designed circuit will choose different types of prediction algoritms depending on the type of the branch. Some of these methods were used are static while the other are dynamic. All circuits were built practically and examined by applying different programs on the designed predictor algorithm to compute the performance of the processor.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Loyaga-Rendon Renzo Y. , Boeve Theodore , Tallaj Jose , Lee Sangjin , Leacche Marzia , Lotun Kapildeo , Koehl Devin A. , Cantor Ryan S. , Kirklin James K. , Acharya Deepak 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Limited data are available regarding the outcomes of patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) who undergo durable mechanical circulatory support implantation (dMCS). We analyzed the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors for mortality in patients who were bridged with ECMO to dMCS.

Methods:
Adult patients who received dMCS between January 2008 and December 2017 (n=19 824), registered in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-Interagency Registry for Mechanical Assisted Circulatory Support (STS-INTERMACS) database were included. Baseline characteristics, outcomes, risk factors, and adverse events were compared between ECMO-supported patients (n=933) and INTERMACS profile 1 (IP-1) patients not supported by ECMO (n=2362). A propensity match analysis was performed.

Results:

ECMO patients had inferior survival at 12 months (66.1%) than non-ECMO patients (75.4%;
P
<0.0001). The proportion of patients transplanted at 2 years after dMCS was similar between the ECMO (30.8%) and non-ECMO (31.8%) groups (
P
=0.49). A multiphase parametric hazard model identified 2 different periods based on risk of death. ECMO patients had a high hazard for death in the first 6 months after implantation (hazard ratio, 2.18 [1.79–2.66];
P
<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that ECMO was an independent risk factor associated with poor outcome during the early phase after dMCS (hazard ratio, 1.69 [1.37–2.09];
P
<0.0001) but not during the constant phase. ECMO patients had similar outcomes to non-ECMO patients when a propensity matched cohort was analyzed.

Conclusions:
ECMO-supported patients before dMCS have lower survival compared with other IP-1 patients. A multivariable analysis showed that ECMO is an independent risk factor of poor outcome after dMCS. However, a propensity matched analysis suggested that when important clinical variables are controlled the outcome of both groups is similar. These data support the implantation of dMCS in carefully selected ECMO patients.