Metaheuristic Bio-Inspired Algorithms for Prognostics: Application to On-Board Electromechanical Actuators

Metaheuristic bio inspired algorithms are a wide class of optimization algorithms, which recently saw a significant growth due to its effectiveness for the solution of complex problems. In this preliminary work, we assess the performance of two of these algorithms-Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-for the prognostic analysis of an electro-mechanical flight control actuator, powered by a Brushless DC (BLDC) trapezoidal motor. We focus on the first step of the prognostic process, consisting in an early Fault Detection and Identification (FDI); our model-based strategy consists in using an optimization algorithm to approximate the output of the physical system with a computationally light Monitor Model

Electronic structure and magnetic properties of KXF3(X= Fe, Co, Mn, V) from ab initio calculations.

In this work we have performed first-principle calculations of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of KFeF3, KCoF3, KMnF3, KVF3, using full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) scheme within GGA. Features such as the lattice constant, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative are reported. Also, we have presented our results of the band structure and the density of states. The magnetic moments of KFeF3, KCoF3, KMnF3, KVF3 compounds are in most came from the exchange-splitting of X-3d orbital. Keywords: Magnetic materials; Ab initio calculations; Electronic structur

AKTIVITAS EKSTRAK RIMPANG TEMULAWAK (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) SEBAGAI LARVASIDA TERHADAP Aedes aegypti DI KECAMATAN KELAPA LIMA KOTA KUPANG

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a disease that is found in some tropical and subtropical regions. This disease is caused by dengue virus and is transmitted to humans through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. the solution taken in controlling DHF is to break the life cycle of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Vector control is generally carried out using synthetic larvicides, namely abate / temefos, but the use of abate can cause residues, environmental pollution, poisoning and resistance of the eradicated vectors so that natural larvasides from plants are needed namely temulawak rhizome (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) for vector control. The purpose of this study was to determine whether temulawak rhizome extract was effective or not in killing Aedes aegypti larvae. This research method includes larva collection, identification and maintenance of mosquitoes, determining sample size, making extracts and testing effectiveness. This study used a control and experiment group with 3 repetitions in the minutes to 15, 30, 45, 60 and 1440 (24 Hours). The control group was positive control using abate and negative control using aquades while the eksperiment group used extract of temulawak rhizome (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) with concentrations of 0.6%, 0.8%, 1%, 1.2% and 1.5%. The results of this study indicate that the temulawak rhizome extract (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) effective as larvicides because at the lowest concentration 0.6% can kill 100% Aedes aegypti larvae

Advanced Design and Fabrication of Prosthetic and Medical Devices

The department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Technology (MEIDT) at City Tech is seeking to strengthening the skills of its students in manufacturing and design to respond to the urgent needs of the manufacturing industry in general and the prosthetic and medical devices (P&MD) industry in particular to high-skilled engineers and technicians and to provide a national model for advanced technology education. Medical Devices will include: (a) Surgical and Medical Instruments; (b) Surgical Appliances and Supplies; and (c) Dental Equipment and Supplies. The educational merit of the project is that it motivates students to do engineering rather than studying engineering. Students will get the opportunity to connect classroom experience to the medical device industry through intensive hands on experience in medical imaging and concepts of P&MD. Curriculum will be linked to practice so students will apply what they learn in the classroom in Computer Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Materials, Manufacturing Processes, Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Mechatronics, Tolerance, Product Life Cycle and Management, and Engineering Analysis. Furthermore, the project will adopt advance STEM strategies such as Project-based-Learning and best strategies to teach STEM courses by moving from particular experience (design and manufacturing of medical devices) to general experience (design, manufacturing, materials,…etc). Additionally, the project will build on current ATE centers successful strategies to recruit female students to STEM through introducing them to bio-related projects. The technical merit of the project lies in providing students with the opportunity to collaborate with the industry to work in real-life projects

Utilizing Project-based Multidisciplinary Design Activities to Enhance STEM Education

This paper discusses the use of project-based interdisciplinary design activities to enhance the STEM education in City Tech’s School of Technology and Design. STEM education has been a key in producing qualified individuals to work in today’s fast paced, highly competitive companies. Unfortunately, the supply of qualified workforce has been reduced due to the steady drop of enrollment of college and high school students in STEM related fields for the past twenty years. To tackle the dwindling enrollment of STEM students and low quality of STEM graduates, in a report submitted to Congress in 2007, the National Science Board suggested that measures be taken so that all students can develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past with an increased emphasis on technology and engineering at all levels in the Nation’s education system. The Board gave two priority recommendations: (1) Ensure Coherence in Nation’s STEM Education System; (2) Ensure that Students Are Taught by Well-Prepared and Highly Effective STEM Teachers. There is a need to change the perception of STEM education. STEM education cannot be viewed as teaching four unrelated subject matters. STEM education should be treated as an integral education. Mathematics, science, technology and engineering are taught in classes in hope that students will use these subjects simultaneously to make new discoveries, to explore new ideas, to make new products and to provide better services. As such, more project-based activities, that enable students to apply the knowledge and skills they learn from STEM courses should be implemented into curriculums. Practical hands-on learning-by-doing activities go hand-in-hand with STEM education. They complement each other. If a person does not have a good STEM knowledge, it is difficult for him/or her to become a competent innovator and designer. However, if a person demonstrates excellent STEM knowledge on exams, it does not mean this individual can be a competent designer or engineer overnight. Any successful designer or engineer would agree that it takes many years of experience and setbacks for him or her to reach that level. A top-down “reverse engineering approach” is used to tie design activities to various elements in STEM. Currently, most traditional STEM projects aimed at improving the STEM education address only one or two elements of STEM education and lack suitable activities to keep students engaged. Project-based design activities have proven to be very effective in attracting and motivating young people to study. The top-down learning-by-doing approach gives students a sense of accomplishment at each stage of their course work. That in turn, will inspire the students to continuously engage and focus on the STEM subject matter. Faculty members from multiple engineering technology departments are involved to address the multidisciplinary natures of the project and to develop teaching materials to improve STEM education as a whole. Rubrics to assess the effectiveness of the practice on student’s learning will be developed and compared with existing ABET’s program criteria in technology education

Introduction of Mechatronic Technology into Cross-Department Product Design Curricula

This paper presents the work that is currently engaged by faculty in the departments of mechanical engineering technology and computer engineering technology to introduce mechatronic technology into product design curricula of both departments. This work is funded by the National Science Foundation (Award No. DUE-1003721) recently awarded to New York City College of Technology. Advances in computer technology and semiconductor electronics have created a new product design field called mechatronics. Mechatronics treats product design as system design that requires the tight integration of mechanical components, electrical/electronic systems, industrial design ideas, computer-control systems, embedded systems, and intelligent software into the product design and development processes. It requires engineers, technicians, and designers from various disciplines to possess broader knowledge beyond their specialized fields and to work together concurrently. This concurrent engineering and mechatronic design approach, which emphasizes team collaboration, has become the new industry standard in product design and development. Mechatronic technology has been identified as one of the top10 highly influential emerging technologies of the 21st century by MIT’s Technology Review and by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Students were given mechatronic/robotic design projects that required them to use actual mechanical, electrical/electronic hardware and software that are currently been used by the industry. This enabled the instructor to simulate actual product design activities occurred in the industry. Not only students were exposed to the latest mechatronic technology, they also learned the concurrent engineering design approach. Students were given a framework of fundamental design knowledge with hands-on cross-disciplinary activities that allows them to develop an interdisciplinary understanding and integrated approach to product design. Through these hands-on activities, students will also learn the concept of product lifecycle management and sharpened their teamwork skills.The curricula of the three programs will be modified to create cross-departmental design projects. Students will learn how to design, construct, evaluate, operate, and test mechatronic products. Activities include: 3D design and modeling, materials and manufacturing process selection, mechanical and structural design, electrical/electronic design, computer control with embedded systems, interfacing, programming, and project management. These simulated product design activities will give our students a better understanding of product design processes and provide them with much needed hands-on experience

Attracting College and High School Students to Study Engineering Technology through Hands-on Mechatronics Product Design Projects

Attracting College and High School Students to Study Engineering Technology Engineering technology encompasses many engineering technology fields: mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, and computer engineering technology, etc. This poster presents the work on using hands-on mechatronics design activities to attract high school and college students to study engineering technology. Technology education has been a key in producing college graduates to work in today’s fast paced, highly competitive public and private enterprises. Unfortunately, the supply of qualified workforce has been reduced in the United States due to the steady drop of enrollment of college and high school students in STEM related fields for the past twenty years of which technology is an important component. To tackle the dwindling enrollment of STEM students and low quality of STEM graduates, the National Science Board submitted a report to Congress in 2007 suggesting all students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past with an increased emphasis on technology and engineering at all levels in the Nation’s education system. The Board gave two priority recommendations: (1) Ensure Coherence in Nation’s STEM Education System; (2) Ensure that Students Are Taught by Well-Prepared and Highly Effective STEM Teachers. This poster aims at addressing the two issues that many educational institutions are facing through the introduction of mechatronics technology into undergraduate students as well as to high school students. To change the landscape of technology education in the US, many things must be done. Hands-on engaging activities have been proven as important tools for attracting young people. In his keynote speech called “21st Century Skills - From Industry to Education and Back” at 2010 NSF ATE Principal Investigator Conference, Mr. Charles Fadel, Global Education Research Lead at Cisco Systems, presented a study which indicates that students learn well in teams, in project based activities, and in collaborative environments. The hands-on project based activities will also strengthen students’ skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity/innovation. These skills have been identified by top U.S. companies as priorities for employee development, talent management and succession planning. It is only natural for the technology education to incorporate hands-on practical applications at every stage of a student’s education. This connection should be made earlier during a student’s high school years and be reinforced every semester during student’s college years so as to allow the student to reach a level of maturity expected by companies for entry level or junior level positions. In August 2010, the college received a grant from National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technology Education (ATE) division to establish a Mechatronics Technology Center (MTC) to introduce the mechatronics technology to college as well to high school students. Our ATE project focuses on Integrated STEM Education using mechatronics products as vehicles to build student interest and to emphasize the intrinsic relations among various STEM fields. Robotics competitions held regularly at different levels enabled students to immerse themselves in STEM and to build their STEM skills gradually. This helped create, sustain, and foster long lasting interest on STEM. College students served as mentors to help faculty members conduct the training in various engineering topics as well as in learning the 21st century skills

Detection of a Cis eQTL Controlling BMCO1 Gene Expression Leads to the Identification of a QTG for Chicken Breast Meat Color

Classical quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis and gene expression QTL (eQTL) were combined to identify the causal gene (or QTG) underlying a highly significant QTL controlling the variation of breast meat color in a F2 cross between divergent high-growth (HG) and low-growth (LG) chicken lines. Within this meat quality QTL, BCMO1 (Accession number GenBank: AJ271386), encoding the β-carotene 15, 15′-monooxygenase, a key enzyme in the conversion of β-carotene into colorless retinal, was a good functional candidate. Analysis of the abundance of BCMO1 mRNA in breast muscle of the HG x LG F2 population allowed for the identification of a strong cis eQTL. Moreover, reevaluation of the color QTL taking BCMO1 mRNA levels as a covariate indicated that BCMO1 mRNA levels entirely explained the variations in meat color. Two fully-linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located within the proximal promoter of BCMO1 gene were identified. Haplotype substitution resulted in a marked difference in BCMO1 promoter activity in vitro. The association study in the F2 population revealed a three-fold difference in BCMO1 expression leading to a difference of 1 standard deviation in yellow color between the homozygous birds at this haplotype. This difference in meat yellow color was fully consistent with the difference in carotenoid content (i.e. lutein and zeaxanthin) evidenced between the two alternative haplotypes. A significant association between the haplotype, the level of BCMO1 expression and the yellow color of the meat was also recovered in an unrelated commercial broiler population. The mutation could be of economic importance for poultry production by making possible a gene-assisted selection for color, a determining aspect of meat quality. Moreover, this natural genetic diversity constitutes a new model for the study of β-carotene metabolism which may act upon diverse biological processes as precursor of the vitamin A

Epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii infection in Africa: a OneHealth systematic review

Background: Q fever is a common cause of febrile illness and community-acquired pneumonia in resource-limited settings. Coxiella burnetii, the causative pathogen, is transmitted among varied host species, but the epidemiology of the organism in Africa is poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review of C. burnetii epidemiology in Africa from a “One Health” perspective to synthesize the published data and identify knowledge gaps.<p></p> Methods/Principal Findings: We searched nine databases to identify articles relevant to four key aspects of C. burnetii epidemiology in human and animal populations in Africa: infection prevalence; disease incidence; transmission risk factors; and infection control efforts. We identified 929 unique articles, 100 of which remained after full-text review. Of these, 41 articles describing 51 studies qualified for data extraction. Animal seroprevalence studies revealed infection by C. burnetii (≤13%) among cattle except for studies in Western and Middle Africa (18–55%). Small ruminant seroprevalence ranged from 11–33%. Human seroprevalence was <8% with the exception of studies among children and in Egypt (10–32%). Close contact with camels and rural residence were associated with increased seropositivity among humans. C. burnetii infection has been associated with livestock abortion. In human cohort studies, Q fever accounted for 2–9% of febrile illness hospitalizations and 1–3% of infective endocarditis cases. We found no studies of disease incidence estimates or disease control efforts.<p></p> Conclusions/Significance: C. burnetii infection is detected in humans and in a wide range of animal species across Africa, but seroprevalence varies widely by species and location. Risk factors underlying this variability are poorly understood as is the role of C. burnetii in livestock abortion. Q fever consistently accounts for a notable proportion of undifferentiated human febrile illness and infective endocarditis in cohort studies, but incidence estimates are lacking. C. burnetii presents a real yet underappreciated threat to human and animal health throughout Africa.<p></p&gt