Decentralized Clustering and Linking by Networked Agents

We consider the problem of decentralized clustering and estimation over multi-task networks, where agents infer and track different models of interest. The agents do not know beforehand which model is generating their own data. They also do not know which agents in their neighborhood belong to the same cluster. We propose a decentralized clustering algorithm aimed at identifying and forming clusters of agents of similar objectives, and at guiding cooperation to enhance the inference performance. One key feature of the proposed technique is the integration of the learning and clustering tasks into a single strategy. We analyze the performance of the procedure and show that the error probabilities of types I and II decay exponentially to zero with the step-size parameter. While links between agents following different objectives are ignored in the clustering process, we nevertheless show how to exploit these links to relay critical information across the network for enhanced performance. Simulation results illustrate the performance of the proposed method in comparison to other useful techniques

Cost Sensitivity Analysis on the Optimal Location of Technology Providers In Kentucky

A warehouse location model was utilized in order to expand upon previous research. The aim was to more accurately depicting the optimal location for an agribusiness firm providing precision agriculture technologies in the state of Kentucky. It was determined that the optimal solution was Muhlenberg County.warehouse location model, precision agriculture, agribusiness, Agribusiness,

A mechanical behavior law for the numerical simulation of the mushy zone in welding

The aim of this work is to propose a mechanical behavior law dedicated to the mushy zone located between the solid phase and the weld pool in welding. The objective is to take into account of the influence of the mushy zone in the simulation of welding in order to improve the computation of induced effects such as residual stresses

Entrained defects and mechanical properties of aluminium castings

The presence of entrained double oxide films, known as bifilms, has been identified as a contributing factor to the variability in mechanical properties observed in aluminium castings. These bifilms consist of folded-over oxide films containing gas-filled crevices and are formed due to turbulence on the liquid metal's surface during handling and pouring. Additionally, it has been suggested that hydrogen dissolved in the aluminium melt can permeate these defects, causing them to expand and leading to the formation of hydrogen porosity. This, in turn, exacerbates the detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of the castings. In this study, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and percentage elongation of sand cast bars were compared under various casting conditions. These parameters were chosen as indicators of casting reliability, which was expected to be influenced by the presence of oxide films. The results indicated that incorporating filters in the gating system and reducing the runner height led to a noticeable improvement in tensile strength and elongation. This improvement was attributed to enhanced mold filling conditions, which reduced the likelihood of oxide film entrainment. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the factors that affect the properties of light metal alloy castings. By understanding these influences, it becomes possible to develop improved practices that result in healthier castings with enhanced mechanical properties

Influence of bifilm defects generated during mould filling on the tensile properties of Al–Si–Mg cast alloys

Entrapped double oxide film defects are known to be the most detrimental defects during the casting of aluminium alloys. In addition, hydrogen dissolved in the aluminium melt was suggested to pass into the defects to expand them and cause hydrogen porosity. In this work, the effect of two important casting parameters (the filtration and hydrogen content) on the properties of Al–7 Si–0.3 Mg alloy castings was studied using a full factorial design of experiments approach. Casting properties such as the Weibull modulus and position parameter of the elongation and the tensile strength were considered as response parameters. The results suggested that adopting 10 PPI filters in the gating system resulted in a considerable boost of the Weibull moduli of the tensile strength and elongation due to the enhanced mould filling conditions that minimised the possibility of oxide film entrainment. In addition, the results showed that reducing the hydrogen content in the castings samples from 0.257 to 0.132 cm3/100 g Al was associated with a noticeable decrease in the size of bifilm defects with a corresponding improvement in the mechanical properties. Such significant effect of the process parameters studied on the casting properties suggests that the more careful and quiescent mould filling practice and the lower the hydrogen level of the casting, the higher the quality and reliability of the castings produced

Effect of runner thickness and hydrogen content on the mechanical properties of A356 alloy castings

Earlier studies demonstrated the detrimental effect of entrained bifilm defects on aluminum cast alloys’ tensile and fatigue properties. It was suggested that hydrogen has a contributing role as it diffuses into the bifilms and swells them out to form hydrogen porosity. In this study, the effect of the runner height and hydrogen content on the properties of A356 alloy castings was investigated using a two-level full factorial design of experiments. Four responses, the Weibull modulus and position parameter of both the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and % elongation, were assessed. The results suggested that decreasing the runner height and adopting procedures intended to decrease the hydrogen content of the casting caused a considerable enhancement of the Weibull moduli and position parameters of the UTS and % elongation. This was reasoned to the more quiescent practice during mold filling, eliminating the possibility of bifilm formation as well as the decreased hydrogen level that eliminated the amount of hydrogen diffused into the bifilms and accordingly decreased the size of the entrained defects. This, in turn, would allow the production of A356 cast alloys with better and more reproducible properties

A Study of Iran’s Comparative Advantage in Saffron, the Red Gold

Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy,