Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of Cronobacter species, with particular attention to the newly reclassified species C. helveticus, C. pulveris, and C. zurichensis [forthcoming]

In 2013, Enterobacter helveticus, E. pulveris and E. turicensis, were reclassified as Cronobacter helveticus, C. pulveris and C. zurichensis, respectively. Previously these species had been used as negative controls for some Cronobacter detection assays. This study examined cultural, biochemical and molecular Cronobacter detection and identification assays, with emphasis on the new species. Additionally, 32 Cronobacter genomes were examined for the presence of PCR target genes using the BLAST function of the online Cronobacter BIGSdb facility. The results of the cultural methods varied and no single medium was able to correctly detect all Cronobacter spp. Since the supporting databases have not been updated to include the Cronobacter genus, Enterobacter sakazakii was returned for four strains of the newly reclassified species with ID32E and none with API 20E. PCR probes targeting rpoB and ompA could not correctly identify the new Cronobacter spp., due to primer specificity or absent target genes. As neonates have been identified as a high-risk group for infection, international standards require the absence of all Cronobacter species in powdered infant formula. However, many conventional detection methods cannot correctly identify the newly recognized species. Conversely, DNA sequence-based methods can adapt to taxonomic revisions and will likely become more common

Effect of lateral run-out on calliper drag in automotive disc brakes

Efficiency of an automotive disc brake system is affected by several factors such as lateral run out (LRO), caliper housing stiffness, lining compressibility, seal/groove design, brake fluid, and pad material. A minor deviation in any of these factors may lead to problems like brake noise, vibration and off-brake caliper drag in the brake system. This paper presents an experimental study of the effect of LRO on calliper drag by measuring drag with respect to LRO for different types of callipers at varied speeds. This study is important because in automotive industry, different methods are used for testing different types of calipers with different LRO values. Results indicate that the effect of increasing LRO on off-brake caliper drag is caliper dependent

Exhaust Plume Flow Visualization for Qualitative Analysis of Engine Combustion Performance

This work explores use of Thermal Infrared Image based Flow Visualization (TIIFV) for qualitative analysis of gasoline engine combustion performance. It proposes determining engine combustion performance through analysis of the exhaust plume turbulence and radiation extinction patterns. The employed methodology requires estimating the point spread function (PSF) prevailing in a LWIR image and using the PSF estimates for enhancing the engine exhaust plume LWIR images. Influence of exhaust plume composition on the plume flow characteristics, made evident by the turbulence and radiation extinction patterns, is then ascertained. The observed plume flow characteristics and underlying flow patterns are used to qualitatively determine the engine combustion performance. Results suggest that engine exhaust flow visualization can help in qualitative analysis of combustion performance from a distance and our reliance on photochemical-based analysis of gasoline engine combustion efficiency can be reduced. Thus a time consuming and untidy process, difficult to be carried out in real life situations, may be replaced with a swift and cleaner one

Modelling framework to support decision-making in manufacturing enterprises

Systematic model-driven decision-making is crucial to design, engineer, and transform manufacturing enterprises (MEs). Choosing and applying the best philosophies and techniques is challenging as most MEs deploy complex and unique configurations of process-resource systems and seek economies of scope and scale in respect of changing and distinctive product flows. This paper presents a novel systematic enhanced integrated modelling framework to facilitate transformation of MEs, which is centred on CIMOSA. Application of the new framework in an automotive industrial case study is also presented. The following new contributions to knowledge are made: (1) an innovative structured framework that can support various decisions in design, optimisation, and control to reconfigure MEs; (2) an enriched and generic process modelling approach with capability to represent both static and dynamic aspects of MEs; and (3) an automotive industrial case application showing benefits in terms of reduced lead time and cost with improved responsiveness of process-resource system with a special focus on PPC. It is anticipated that the new framework is not limited to only automotive industry but has a wider scope of application. Therefore, it would be interesting to extend its testing with different configurations and decision-making levels

Evaluation of Smoothness of Louisiana Pavements Based on International Roughness Index and Ride Number

This paper presents the results of research conducted to develop smoothness specifications for asphalt concrete pavements in Louisiana based on the International Roughness Index (IRI) and Ride Number (RN). Measurements of longitudinal profiles were conducted using the high-speed inertial road profiler along 98.7 km of pavements in 23 different projects. Profile Index (PI) with 5.1 and 0 mm blanking bandwidth, IRI and RN were determined. Statistical analyses were conducted to establish relationships between the different smoothness indices. The mathematical models were used to establish IRI based smoothness specifications for construction control of pavements in Louisiana