Multi-objective optimization of electric-discharge machining process using controlled elitist NSGA-II

Parametric optimization of electric discharge machining (EDM) process is a multi-objective optimization task. In general, no single combination of input parameters can provide the best cutting speed and the best surface finish simultaneously. Genetic algorithm has been proven as one of the most popular multi-objective optimization techniques for the parametric optimization of EDM process. In this work, controlled elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm has been used to optimize the process. Experiments have been carried out on die-sinking EDM by taking Inconel 718 as work piece and copper as tool electrode. Artificial neural network (ANN) with back propagation algorithm has been used to model EDM process. ANN has been trained with the experimental data set. Controlled elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm has been employed in the trained network and a set of pareto-optimal solutions is obtained.

     

Convective Drying Kinetics of Red Chillies

The drying kinetics of four varieties of chillies (Pb-Lal, Pb-Guchhedar, Pb-Surkh, and CH-1) was studied. The chillies (pricked and unpricked) were pretreated in the dip sol solution. The treated chillies were dried in an automatic weighing experimental dryer at selected temperatures (45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, and 65°C). The results indicated that drying took place in the falling rate period. Out of three models considered, Page's model was found to be the most suitable for describing the drying behavior of chillies. The dependence of drying constant on temperature was analyzed using an Arrhenius equation. The variety Pb-Lal has the maximum value of activation energy (42.59 kJ/mol), which is also reflected in the reduced drying time for this variety. The results of quality studies of dried chillies in terms of capsaicin content and coloring matter indicated that the Pb-Lal variety had acceptable capsaicin content of 532.08 µg and coloring matter of 73.8 ASTA.     

Structural and electrical transport properties of a rare earth double perovskite oxide：Ba2ErNbO6

The double perovskite oxide barium erbium niobate,Ba2ErNbO6(BEN) was synthesized by solid state reaction technique.Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction pattern of the sample showed cubic(Fm3m) phase at room temperature.Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed two primary phonon modes of the sample at around 387 and 600 cm–1.Raman spectrum of the sample taken at 488 nm excitation wavelength showed four primary strong peaks at 106,382,747 and 814 cm–1.Lorentzian lines with 10 bands were used to fit the Raman spectrum.A group theoretical study was performed to assign all the Raman modes.Impedance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the ac electrical conductivity of BEN in a temperature range from 303 to 673 K and in a frequency range from 100 Hz – 1 MHz.The dielectric relaxation mechanism was discussed in the frame work of permittivity,conductivity,modulus and impedance formalisms.The complex plane plot of the impedance data was modeled by an equivalent circuit consisting of two serially connected R-CPE units,(one for the grain and the other for the grain boundary),each containing a resistor(R) and a constant phase element(CPE).The R-CPE units were used to incorporate the non-ideal character of the polarization phenomenon instead of an ideal capacitive behaviour.The relaxation time corresponding to dielectric loss was found to obey the Arrhenius law with activation energy of 0.85 eV.The frequency dependent conductivity spectra followed the Jonscher power law.The Cole-Cole model was used to investigate the dielectric relaxation mechanism in the sample.     

Structural tailoring of molybdenum disulfide by argon plasma for efficient electrocatalysis performance

This article describes the synthesis of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanowires using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The MoS₂-nanowires converts into micro-flake structures with the help of argon (Ar) plasma for the better hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. The MoS₂-nanowires treated by post-Ar plasma at different time of intervals (20 seconds, 40 seconds, 60 seconds, and 3 minutes). The plasma treatment significantly tailored the structure of pristine MoS₂-nanowires due to which additional active sites were produced at the surface of treated MoS₂. A notable HER activity were achieved by plasma-treated MoS₂. To boost the HER activity up to next level, visible light was used at the time of electrocatalysis which enhanced the electrocatalytic activity almost double, which is evident by the low overpotential (190 mV) at current density of 10 mAcm⁻².     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of a new camptothecin derivative, 9-aminocamptothecin

Camptothecins are the only available antitumor agents which target the nuclear enzyme topoisomerase I. 9-Aminocamptothecin (9-AC) is a water-insoluble derivative of camptothecin which has demonstrated impressive antitumor activity in preclinical models. While two other water-soluble derivatives, CPT-11 and topotecan, have successfully completed Phase I and Phase II testing, biochemical and tissue culture studies suggest that camptothecin analogues differ in characteristics which may be important in determining antitumor activity. We performed a Phase I trial of 9-AC to determine the pharmacokinetics, dose-limiting toxicity, and maximum tolerated dose of this agent when administered as a 72-h continuous i.v. infusion. Thirty-one patients with resistant solid cancers received 5-60 microgram/m2/h 9-AC for 72 h, repeated at 3-week intervals. The drug was administered in a vehicle containing dimethylacetamide, polyethylene glycol, and phosphoric acid. Blood samples were collected and the lactone (closed ring) form of 9-AC was quantitated. The maximum tolerated dose of 9-AC was determined to be 45 microgram/m2/h. Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of neutropenia. Thrombocytopenia was also prominent. There were no significant nonhematological toxicities. Minimal responses were seen in patients with gastric, colon, and non-small cell lung cancer. Although significant interpatient variation in plasma 9-AC lactone levels was observed, pooled data were fit to a two-compartment model, with a terminal half-life of 36 h. Analyses of topoisomerase protein levels in peripheral blood cells indicated decreases in topoisomerase I accompanied by increases in topoisomerase II in two of three patients. 9-AC is an active antitumor agent and may be administered safely as a 72-h infusion in patients with cancer. Although Phase II trials with a 72-h infusion of 9-AC are warranted, alternate schedules should be evaluated given the dramatic preclinical activity seen with more prolonged administrations.     

Polyurethane‐incorporated chitosan/alginate core–shell nano‐particles for controlled oral insulin delivery

Chitosan (CS) and polyurethane‐chitosan (PU‐CS) nano‐particles (NPs) were prepared for the core formation by complex coacervation method whereas alginate (ALG) and PU‐ALG were crosslinked by ionic gelation method to form the protective shell‐layer over the core. Effects of PU incorporation either within the core or shell or both were investigated by different in vitro and in vivo parameters. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of different compositions of nano‐particles showed distinct characteristic peaks for CS, PU, and ALG, indicating their presence in variable ratios. Significance of polyurethane‐incorporated systems towards insulin encapsulation efficiency, swelling parameters, insulin release, and in vivo pharmacological effect were also studied. Particle sizes, zeta potential, morphological analysis, mucoadhesion study, and in vivo acute toxicity studies of these core–shell nano‐particles were also performed. Bioavailability of insulin ranged from 9.04% to 11.6% for polyurethane‐incorporated chitosan‐alginate core–shell nano‐particle formulations which was significantly higher than the insulin bioavailability of basic CS/ALG core–shell nano‐particle system. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46365.     

Effect of Powder Metallurgy Process and its Parameters on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Copper-Based Materials: Literature Review

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - As the world is shifting towards renewable sources of energy, the demand for copper is increasing due to its excellent electrical and corrosion resistance...     

Role of surfacelet transform in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing - The clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is based on the tedious questionnaire and prolonged tests, which require involvement of the...     

Percussion drilling with laser: hole completion criterion

The criterion for ensuring formation of a through hole is an important aspect of laser drilling. Close observation of the process has indicated that drilling of the substrate is achieved in six successive microstages. The stages have been time resolved and the behaviour of laser induced plasma (LIP) during the microstages of drilling has been carefully examined. The LIP behaviour during the percussion laser drilling has been explained with the help of the contemporary understanding of plasma. This paper proposes a drilling completion criterion that is based on the behaviour of LIP during laser percussion drilling of SUPERNI 263A with a Nd-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser. The completion of formation of a hole is marked by the momentarily increased luminescence of the plasma plume emanating from the laser beam exit side of the workpiece during drilling. The criterion has been experimentally verified. The criterion is versatile and can help in augmenting productivity during manufacturing.