On the design of neural-fuzzy control system

This article presents a neural–network-based fuzzy logic control (NN–FLC) system. The NN–FLC model has the learning capabilities for constructing membership functions and extracting fuzzy rules from training examples. Both unsupervised and supervised training algorithms are used to find the membership functions of the FLC. Competitive learning algorithms are employed to evaluate fuzzy logic rules. Matlab programs using both neural and fuzzy toolboxes are developed to implement the NN–FLC model. Computer simulations of the inverted pendulum controlled by NN–FLC system were conducted to illustrate the self-learning ability of the network. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.13: 11–26, 1998     

Diffraction of SH waves by a moving crack

Summary The problem of diffraction of anti-plane shear waves by a running crack of finite length is investigated analytically. Fourier transform method is used to solve the mixed boundary value problem which reduces to two pairs of dual integral equations. These dual integral equations are further reduced to a pair of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. The iterative solution of the integral equations has been obtained for small wave number. The solution is used to calculate the dynamic stress intensity factor at the edge of the crack.With 2 Figures     

Fatal respiratory obstruction due to round worm

Respiratory obstruction caused by a round worm is rate. A fatal case of the complication in a three-year-old child was encountered at the Nehru Hospital attached to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.     

Developmental changes in storage proteins and peptidyl prolyl cis–trans isomerase activity in grains of different wheat cultivars

In the present study, storage proteins from five different wheat cultivars were extracted, fractionated and evaluated for their accumulation at different stages of development. SDS–PAGE analysis revealed that the accumulation of high molecular weight glutenin subunits was cultivar and stage dependent. However, low molecular weight glutenin subunits’ accumulation was not altered significantly after 16 days post anthesis in any of the cultivars. The rheological parameters (storage- and loss-modulus) of dough and gluten showed close association with either gliadins or glutenins. Peptidyl prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) activity, measured at different stages of grains development, showed variability with both the developmental stage and cultivar, and appeared to be primarily due to cyclophilins. Principal component analysis revealed the association of PPIase activity with either gliadin or total proteins, suggesting their significant role in the deposition of storage proteins in wheat.     

Three-Dimensional Visualization of Transgenic Tobacco Leaves

We have done a three-dimensional visualization of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves for the study of chloroplast gene expression and regulation. The aim was to visualize tobacco leaves shot with tungsten particles. These tungsten particles were coated with the foreign DNA and shot into the leaf using the biolistic technique of DNA insertion. The visualization can be used to examine the leaves to gauge the efficiency of the shooting process, i.e.,to see what parts of the leaves have been effectively penetrated by the DNA-coated tungsten particles and also to judge the depth of penetration. The image data for the 3D visualization was collected at planes 10 microns apart, using a prototype version of a High Numerical Aperture Reflecting Microscope. The raw image data collected from the microscope was restored using the Row Action Projection (RAP) algorithm and the Partial Minimization and Constrained Iteration (PCMI) algorithm. These restored images were then used for 3D visualization using the Visualization Toolkit.     

Graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile onto gelatin by mutual irradiation method

In order to improve upon certain properties of gelatin graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and methacrylonitrile (MAN) onto gelatin has been studied in aqueous medium using γ rays as a source of initiation. Optimum conditions for affording maximum percentage of grafting have been evaluated as a function of various reaction parameters. The grafted polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was isolated from the graft copolymer by acid hydrolysis, and the average molecular weight (M_v) of the isolated polymer has been determined viscometrically. The graft copolymers were characterized by IR spectroscopic methods and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Acrylonitrile was found to be more reactive than methacrylonitrile toward graft copolymerization. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The axisymmetric boussinesq problem of an initially stressed neo-hookean half-space for a punch of arbitrary profile

A solution of the axisymmetric Boussinesq problem for an initially stressed neo-Hookean half-space is obtained in the closed form, from which are deduced simple formulae for the depth of penetration of the tip of a rigid punch of arbitrary profile and the total load which must be applied to the punch to achieve this penetration. Simple closed form expressions are also deduced for the shape of the deformed surface outside the punch and the distribution of pressure under the punch. The corresponding results are obtained for cylindrical, conical, paraboloidal, ellipsoidal and spherical punch shapes.     

Optical and magnetic properties of Fe-doped CdS dilute magnetic semiconducting nanorods

Solvothermal technique has been used for the synthesis of Fe-doped CdS nanorods (Cd_1?xFe_xS) with (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5). Structural analysis carried out using X-ray diffraction reveals the formation of defect-free hexagonal phase of the CdS nanorods. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirms the presence of elements Cd, Fe and S in their stoichiometric ratio. Blue shift in the band gap, as compared to the bulk CdS, has been observed in UV–visible spectra. The decrease in the intensity of the photoluminescence peaks confirms the quenching of spectra upon Fe doping. Transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area diffraction studies confirm the polycrystalline nature as well as growth of CdS nanorods along (112) plane. Magnetic study confirms the ferromagnetic nature of the synthesized nanorods. Magnetic saturation has been found to be 0.187, 0.300, 0.450, 0.675, 0.600 emu g^?1, respectively, for undoped, 3, 5, 10, and 15 % Fe-doped CdS.     

Sorption Isotherms and Drying Characteristics of Tomato Peel Isolated from Tomato Pomace

Tomato peel was separated from pomace by sedimentation and dried in cabinet and fluidized-bed dryer at 50–70°C using 4–12 kg/m²tray load. The drying of tomato peel took place under the falling rate period and the drying behavior was well described by Page's model with coefficient of determination greater than 0.99 and standard error of 0.003–0.016. A fluidized-bed dryer was much more efficient than a cabinet dryer to dry tomato peel. The moisture adsorption isotherms of tomato peel were obtained by equilibrating above saturated salt solutions of known a _w (0.113–0.92) at 20–60°C. The data were analyzed using fifteen sorption models based on coefficient of determination, standard error, and residual plots. Modified Henderson was the best model for tomato peel with coefficient of determination >0.99, standard error <0.210, and a scattered residual plot. The net isostearic heat of sorption, estimated using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, was 0.74–23.23 kJ/mol at 2.0–2.5% moisture content (dry basis).