The Investigation of an Efficient and Effective Proactive Pipeline Integrity System

In this paper, we propose the investigation of an efficient and effective proactive pipeline integrity system that uses multi-sensors for monitoring and inspection of the pipeline. Although the focus is on the pipeline, the methodologies will also be applicable for other systems including other energy infrastructure elements. The investigation focuses on the integration of multi-sources of data as well as multi-types of data for the same location (section) of the pipeline. The data include imaging, acoustic signals, electromagnetic flux system, and others. Moreover, the data could be obtained using continuous monitoring of the pipeline sections or through time intervals. In both cases, the data may also include censored observations. We develop several approaches to filter the data for noise and identify outliers, integrate the data streams into one degradation path and determine the optimum time to maintain or replace the pipeline sections being monitored. It will utilize extensive mathematical modeling for condition-based maintenance and repair, which will be developed by the investigators of this proposal. Following the suggestions of one of the reviewers of the last year's submission, we plan to validate and modify the model using standard or artificially developed defects such as corrosion, cracks, stress cracking, etc. to understand the output of the proposed methodology and validate the models accordingly

Effect of dexamethasone on osteoclast formation in the alveolar

This study was planned to determine whether a short period dexamethasone treatment induce alveolar bone loss or not, therefore, twenty six male albino rabbits were divided into three groups as follow: Test groups I (10 rabbits) received 1.56 mg/kg dexamethasone intraperitoneal injection daily for two weeks, test group II (10 rabbits) received 3.12 mg/kg dexamethasone intraperitoneal injection daily, and the control group (6 rabbits) received saline solution for same period. The animals were sacrificed and histological sections were prepared from the alveolar bone of molar areas of mandible, as well as morphometric analysis of osteoclasts number was performed. The results showed a significant increase in the number of osteoclasts, which indicates that bone loss, is quite inevitable secondary to dexamethasone treatment even in a short period of treatment for two weeks

Efficient method for transformer models implementation in distribution load flow matrix

Introduction. Most distribution networks are unbalanced and therefore require a specific solution for load flow. There are many works on the subject in the literature, but they mainly focus on simple network configurations. Among the methods dedicated to this problem, one can refer to the load flow method based on the bus injection to branch current and branch current to bus voltage matrices. Problem. Although this method is regarded as simple and complete, its drawback is the difficulty in supporting the transformer model as well as its winding connection types. Nevertheless, the method requires the system per unit to derive the load flow solution. Goal. In the present paper, our concern is the implementation of distribution transformers in the modeling and calculation of load flow in unbalanced networks. Methodology. Unlike previous method, distribution transformer model is introduced in the topology matrices without simplifying assumptions. Particularly, topology matrices were modified to take into account all winding types of both primary and secondary sides of transformer that conserve the equivalent scheme of an ideal transformer in series with an impedance. In addition, the adopted transformer models overcome the singularity problem that can be encountered when switching from the primary to the secondary side of transformer and inversely. Practical value. The proposed approach was applied to various distribution networks such as IEEE 4-nodes, IEEE 13-nodes and IEEE 37-nodes. The obtained results validate the method and show its effectiveness.Вступ. Більшість розподільчих мереж незбалансовані і тому потребують спеціального рішення для потоку навантаження. У літературі є багато робіт на цю тему, але переважно вони присвячені простим мережевим конфігураціям. Серед методів, присвячених цій проблемі, можна назвати метод потоку навантаження, заснований на введенні шини в матрицю струму відгалуження і відгалуження струму в матрицю напруги шини. Проблема. Хоча цей метод вважається простим та повним, його недоліком є складність підтримки моделі трансформатора, а також типів з’єднання його обмоток. Проте метод вимагає системи на одиницю для отримання рішення про потік навантаження. Мета. У цій статті нас цікавить застосування розподільних трансформаторів для моделювання та розрахунку потоку навантаження у незбалансованих мережах. Методологія. На відміну від попереднього методу, модель розподільного трансформатора вводиться в матриці топології без спрощення припущень. Зокрема, матриці топології були змінені, щоб врахувати всі типи обмоток як первинної, так і вторинної сторін трансформатора, які зберігають еквівалентну схему послідовно ідеально включеного трансформатора з імпедансом. Крім того, прийняті моделі трансформаторів долають проблему сингулярності, з якою можна зіткнутися при перемиканні з первинної на вторинну обмотку трансформатора і навпаки. Практична цінність. Пропонований підхід був застосований до різних розподільних мереж, таких як IEEE з 4 вузлами, IEEE з 13 вузлами та IEEE з 37 вузлами. Отримані результати підтверджують метод та показують його ефективність

Finite element analysis of sheet metal forming process

Minimization of response times and costs and maximization of the efficiency and quality in producing a product are imperative for survival in the competitive manufacturing industry. Sheet metal forming is a widely used and costly manufacturing process, to which these considerations apply. Aluminum sheet becomes favorable compare to steel regards to some improvement at aerodynamic designs, increased engine efficiency and fuel economy. Wide range of aluminum automotive product included doors, fenders, bumpers face bars, seat frames and roof panels have been produced. This paper was carried out to study the finite element (elastic-plastic) analysis of sheet metal forming process using the finite element software. LUSAS simulation was carried out to gain accurate and critical understanding of sheet forming process. Axisymmetry element mesh and plain strain element mesh were use incorporated with slideline features to model and study the sheet metal forming process. Simulation of elasticplastic behavior of aluminum sheet was carried out under non-linear condition to investigate sheet metal forming process

Nuclear mechanotransduction in stem cells.

In development and in homeostatic maintenance of tissues, stem cells and progenitor cells are constantly subjected to forces. These forces can lead to significant changes in gene expression and function of stem cells, mediating self-renewal, lineage specification, and even loss of function. One of the ways that has been proposed to mediate these functional changes in stem cells is nuclear mechanotransduction - the process by which forces are converted to signals in the nucleus. The purpose of this review is to discuss the means by which mechanical signals are transduced into the nucleus, through the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex and other nuclear envelope transmembrane (NET) proteins, which connect the cytoskeleton to the nucleus. We discuss how LINC/NETs confers tissue-specific mechanosensitivity to cells and further elucidate how LINC/NETs acts as a control center for nuclear mechanical signals, regulating both gene expression and chromatin organization. Throughout, we primarily focus on stem cell-specific examples, notwithstanding that this is a nascent field. We conclude by highlighting open questions and pointing the way to enhanced research efforts to understand the role nuclear mechanotransduction plays in cell fate choice

Study of potential activity of clove oil 10 % emulsifiable concentrate formulation on Two-spotted spider Mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Clove oil is reported to have a great range of biological activities against many species of pests; termites, cockroaches, aphids, weevils and moths, and many different usages such as perfume and food flavoring agent. This study aimed to determine the acaricidal activity of clove oil emulsifiable concentrate new formulation against two-spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae. Clove oil was formulated as 10 % emulsifiable concentrate (EC). The new formula passed successfully all physical and chemical tests reported for emulsifiable concentrates. It was then tested biologically on the individuals of two-spotted spider mite T. urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) on two host plants beans and squash under laboratory conditions. In both cases, there were a direct relationship between the increase in the concentration of the formulation and the percentage of inhibition on the individuals of the two-spotted spider mite, after 72 hours of treatment, at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 mg/ml the new formulation showed 10.30, 44.8, and 75 percent inhibition, respectively in case of beans, while squash at the same concentrations and for the same period of treatment showed 33.3, 40.7, and 51.9 percent inhibition, but the effect in case of beans was greater than that in case of squash as its EC50 value was lower than that in case of squash. In the case of the former, it was 39.81 mg/ml, whereas in the case of the latter, it was 79.43 mg/ml. Therefore, the new clove oil formulation can be used to combat the two-spotted spider mite

Synthesis, characterization and physicochemical studies of copolymers of aniline and 3-nitroaniline

Polyaniline (PA), the versatile conducting polymer, owing to its tunable optoelectronic properties, facile preparation methodology and reversible redox behavior, has elicited much interest among current researchers, particularly in the fields of energy generation storage devices, protective coatings and electrochemical sensors. However, its commercialization has been much restricted due to low solution processability and thermal stability. Recent studies reveal that the above-mentioned challenges can effectively be addressed by copolymerization of PA with suitable components. In addition, the properties of copolymers could be modified and tuned by varying the monomer ratios. Thus, the present work is concerned with the fabrication of poly(aniline-co-3-nitroaniline) with varying compositions obtained by in situ oxidative copolymerization of aniline and 3-nitroaniline by altering the molar ratio of monomers. Optimization of the physicochemical properties such as UV visible absorption, solubility, thermal stability, electrical conductivity and dielectric signatures, particle size and morphology was achieved by varying the composition of monomeric substituents in these copolymers. Smoother morphology of the copolymer films was revealed by morphological studies via AFM technique and supported by particle size distribution study. The physicochemical trends demonstrated that proper proportions of nitro (NO2) group in the polymer chain are essential to achieve desired optimal physicochemical properties. Therefore, copolymers are ideally appropriate for multifaceted applications and would promote wider usage of conjugated polymers in various fields of organic-based optoelectronic as well as energy storage devices in the near future.Scopu

Disaster management in industrial areas: perspectives, challenges and future research

Purpose: In most countries, development, growth, and sustenance of industrial facilities are given utmost importance due to the influence in the socio-economic development of the country. Therefore, special economic zones, or industrial areas or industrial cities are developed in order to provide the required services for the sustained operation of such facilities. Such facilities not only provide a prolonged economic support to the country but it also helps in the societal aspects as well by providing livelihood to thousands of people. Therefore, any disaster in any of the facilities in the industrial area will have a significant impact on the population, facilities, the economy, and threatens the sustainability of the operations. This paper provides review of such literature that focus on theory and practice of disaster management in industrial cities. Design/methodology/approach: In the paper, content analysis method is used in order to elicit the insights of the literature available. The methodology uses search methods, literature segregation and developing the current knowledge on different phases of industrial disaster management. Findings: It is found that the research is done in all phases of disaster management, namely, preventive phase, reactive phase and corrective phase. The research in each of these areas are focused on four main aspects, which are facilities, resources, support systems and modeling. Nevertheless, the research in the industrial cities is insignificant. Moreover, the modeling part does not explicitly consider the nature of industrial cities, where many of the chemical and chemical processing can be highly flammable thus creating a very large disaster impact. Some research is focused at an individual plant and scaled up to the industrial cities. The modeling part is weak in terms of comprehensively analyzing and assisting disaster management in the industrial cities. Originality/value: The comprehensive review using content analysis on disaster management is presented here. The review helps the researchers to understand the gap in the literature in order to extend further research for disaster management in large scale industrial cities.Peer Reviewe