A hybrid CFGTSA based approach for scheduling problem: a case study of an automobile industry

In the global competitive world swift, reliable and cost effective production subject to uncertain situations, through an appropriate management of the available resources, has turned out to be the necessity for surviving in the market. This inspired the development of the more efficient and robust methods to counteract the existing complexities prevailing in the market. The present paper proposes a hybrid CFGTSA algorithm inheriting the salient features of GA, TS, SA, and chaotic theory to solve the complex scheduling problems commonly faced by most of the manufacturing industries. The proposed CFGTSA algorithm has been tested on a scheduling problem of an automobile industry, and its efficacy has been shown by comparing the results with GA, SA, TS, GTS, and hybrid TSA algorithms

Non-abelian magnetic black strings versus black holes

We present $d+1-$dimensional pure magnetic Yang-Mills (YM) black strings (or $1-$branes) induced by the $d-$dimensional Einstein-Yang-Mills-Dilaton black holes. Born-Infeld version of the YM field makes our starting point which goes to the standard YM field through a limiting procedure. The lifting from black holes to black strings, (with less number of fields) is by adding an extra, compact coordinate. This amounts to the change of horizon topology from $S^{d-2}$ to a product structure. Our black string in $5-$dimensions is a rather special one, with uniform Hawking temperature and non-asymptotically flat structure. As the YM charge becomes large the string gets thinner to tend into a breaking point and transform into a $4-$% dimensional black hole.Comment: 5 pages no figure; Final version to appear in EPJ

Lead-Free Piezoelectric Transducers for Microelectronic Wirebonding Applications

Author name used in this publication: K. W. KwokAuthor name used in this publication: S. H. ChoyAuthor name used in this publication: H. L. W. Chan2010-2011 > Academic research: refereed > Chapter in an edited book (author)published_fina

Characterization of Pneumatic Artificial Muscle System in an Opposing Pair Configuration

Pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) is a pneumatic actuator that commonly used in the biomimetic robotic devices in rehabilitation applications due to its advantageous in high powerto-weight ratio and high degree of safety in use characteristics. Several techniques exist in the literature for the PAM system modeling, and these include theoretical modeling, phenomenological modeling and empirical modeling. This paper focuses on explaining the experimental setup of an opposing pair configuration of PAM system, and gives an analysis of the pneumatic muscle system dynamic in the theoretical modeling. The simulated dynamic model is compared with the actual PAM system for the validation in the open-loop step and sinusoidal positioning responses and pressures. It is concluded that the simulation result is verified and agreed with the actual system

Phosphorus contents of raw chicken meat and processed chicken meat products

Introduction: The per capita consumption of chicken meat and related products has increased steadily in Malaysia, as it is affordable and can be consumed without religious constraints. There is concern for the widespread use of phosphate additives in processed meats, which may lead to hyperphosphatemia, especially among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the phosphorus content in raw chicken breast meat (RCBM) and selected processed chicken meat products. Methods: Samples of RCBM, chicken frankfurters, chicken patties and chicken nuggets of different brands were studied. The phosphorus content of the samples were determined via the dry ashing method and a Perkin-Elmer 5300DV inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Results: The mean phosphorus content in RCBM was 209.15±3.13 mg per 100 g. Chicken nuggets contained the highest phosphorus content, followed by RCBM, chicken patties and chicken frankfurters. Compared to the RCBM, the mean phosphorus content of chicken frankfurters and chicken patties were 21.42% and 4.81% respectively lower, whilst that of chicken nuggets was 1.74% higher. The same type of chicken meat products from different brands also differed significantly in their phosphorus content. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the phosphorus content among different types of chicken meat products, and among the same chicken meat products from different brands. Caution should be exercised, especially by CKD patients, in consuming processed chicken meat products due to the risk posed to them by phosphorus content

The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the mental health of family caregivers: a randomized controlled trial

<b>Background</b> Caregivers of people with chronic conditions are more likely than non-caregivers to have depression and emotional problems. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in improving their mental well-being. <p></p> <b>Methods</b> Caregivers of persons with chronic conditions who scored 7 or above in the Caregiver Strain Index were randomly assigned to the 8-week MBSR group (n = 70) or the self-help control group (n = 71). Validated instruments were used to assess the changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life, self-efficacy, self-compassion and mindfulness. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and at the 3-month follow-up. <p></p> <b>Results </b>Compared to the participants in the control group, participants in the MBSR group had a significantly greater decrease in depressive symptoms at post-intervention and at 3 months post-intervention (p < 0.01). The improvement in state anxiety symptoms was significantly greater among participants in the MBSR group than those of the control group at post-intervention (p = 0.007), although this difference was not statistically significant at 3 months post-intervention (p = 0.084). There was also a statistically significant larger increase in self-efficacy (controlling negative thoughts; p = 0.041) and mindfulness (p = 0.001) among participants in the MBSR group at the 3-month follow-up compared to the participants in the control group. No statistically significant group effects (MBSR vs. control) were found in perceived stress, quality of life or self-compassion. <p></p> <b>Conclusions </b>MBSR appears to be a feasible and acceptable intervention to improve mental health among family caregivers with significant care burden, although further studies that include an active control group are needed to make the findings more conclusive

The Influence of Analyser Geometry Effects in Scanning Electron Microscope Voltage Contrast Measurements

A computer simulation model used to study specimen dependent and analyser geometry dependent effects is described in this paper. With this model, the influence of the specimen dependent effect on quantitative voltage contrast measurements can be isolated from the analyser geometry dependent effect. Linearization error voltages in quantitative voltage contrast measurements arising from the individual influences of the specimen dependent and analyser geometry dependent effects are presented. The results show that the error component due to very narrow analysers dominate the total linearization error. The same situation arises when the voltage measurement point on the specimen is very near to the edge of the analyser

ESTIMATING COMPLETE GROUND REACTION FORCES AND ANKLE JOINT TORQUES FROM PRESSURE INSOLE DATA IN WALKING AND RUNNING

This study described a method to estimate complete ground reaction forces and ankle joint torques from only pressure insole sensor data. One subject performed 56 valid steps during heel-toe walking and running in canvas shoes at different speeds (0.85-4.00m/s). Motion data, ground reaction force data and plantar pressure data were simultaneously recorded. Six parameters of ground reaction forces and ankle joint torques were obtained, and were trimmed from touchdown to takeoff. Pressure values at each of the 99 sensors were used to predict these six parameters by linear stepwise regression. Prediction models with 80% or more explained variance were constructed. Estimated values were obtained from these models, and the prediction accuracy was reported. Comparison to a previously developed method was done

AN IN-SHOE ANKLE SUPINATION TORQUE MEASURING METHOD IN RUNNING

This study presented an in-shoe ankle supination torque measuring method in running. One subject performed 56 valid steps during heel-toe walking and running in canvas shoe at different speeds (0.85-4.00m/s). Motion data, ground reaction force data and plantar pressure data were simultaneously recorded. Ankle joint torques in dorsiflexion / plantarflexion and inversion / eversion directions were obtained, and were trimmed from touchdown to takeoff. Pressure values at each of the 99 sensors were used to predict these two parameters by linear stepwise regression. Prediction models with 80%, 85%, 90% and 95% explained variance were constructed. A 9-sensor system is suggested for further development of an in-shoe ankle supination torque measuring device

Image-Guided Ablative Therapies for Lung Tumors

While the gold standard for early stage lung cancers is still surgical resection, many patients have comorbidities or suboptimal lung function making surgery unfavorable. At the same time, more and more small lung nodules are being incidentally discovered on computer tomography (CT), leading to the discovery of pre-malignant or very early stage lung cancers without regional spread, which could probably be eradicated without anatomical surgical resection. Various ablative energies and technologies are available on the market, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation, and less commonly laser ablation and irreversible electroporation. For each technology, the mechanism of action, advantages, limitations, potential complications and evidence-based outcomes will be reviewed. Traditionally, these ablative therapies were done under CT guidance with percutaneous insertion of ablative probes. Recently, bronchoscopic ablation under ultrasound, CT, or electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy guidance is gaining popularity due to improved navigation precision, reduced pleural-based complications, and providing a true “wound-less” option