Note on MIL-STD-1235 (ORD) Continuous Sampling Procedures for Markov-Dependent Processes

The paper extends the procedures of single and two-level continuous sampling plans for Markov-dependent processes under a non-replacement assumption. The average outgoing quality (AOQ) of these plans have been obtained under this assumption. It has been shown that, when the serial correlation coefficient of the Markov chain is positive, it is improper to use Dodge-type plans as the actual average outgoing quality limit (AOQL) in the plans for Markov-dependence exceeds the desired one under Dodge-type plans

Algorithms for Fast Aggregated Convergecast in Sensor Networks

Fast and periodic collection of aggregated data is of considerable interest for mission-critical and continuous monitoring applications in sensor networks. In the many-to-one communication paradigm, referred to as convergecast, we focus on applications wherein data packets are aggregated at each hop en-route to the sink along a tree-based routing topology, and address the problem of minimizing the convergecast schedule length by utilizing multiple frequency channels. The primary hindrance in minimizing the schedule length is the presence of interfering links. We prove that it is NP-complete to determine whether all the interfering links in an arbitrary network can be removed using at most a constant number of frequencies. We give a sufficient condition on the number of frequencies for which all the interfering links can be removed, and propose a polynomial time algorithm that minimizes the schedule length in this case. We also prove that minimizing the schedule length for a given number of frequencies on an arbitrary network is NP-complete, and describe a greedy scheme that gives a constant factor approximation on unit disk graphs. When the routing tree is not given as an input to the problem, we prove that a constant factor approximation is still achievable for degree-bounded trees. Finally, we evaluate our algorithms through simulations and compare their performance under different network parameters

Experimental Determination of the Mechanical Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

AbstractThermoplastic composites have been widely used in structural and engineering applications, due to their high specific strength and stiffness, high strain to failure, better impact strength, shorter processing cycle time, infinite shelf life, and recyclability. This paper discusses the influence of the forming pressure and coupler concentration on the mechanical behavior of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite laminates. The Design of Experiments’ (DOE) full factorial approach was adopted for conducting the composite laminate fabrication experiments. The thermoplastic composite laminates were fabricated in a hot compression molding machine, using the film stacking technique. This is an innovative approach to develop thermoplastic composite laminates, using the available low cost raw materials, instead of high end prepreg materials. As per the ASTM standard, the tensile and flexural tests were carried out, in order to evaluate the influence of the parameters on the mechanical behavior of the composite laminates. The Tensile and flexural strengths of the thermoplastic composite laminates were the responses measured to identify the most influencing parameter. The experimental results show that the increase in forming pressure and coupler concentration initially increases both the mechanical properties, and then decreases the properties of the composite laminates. Compared to the coupler concentration, the forming pressure greatly improves both the tensile and flexural properties. Using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), a morphological analysis was carried out to observe the bonding between the matrix and reinforcement

Renewal Theory Applications to Continuous Inspection of Markovian Production Processes

Theory of renewal processes has been used to study the effectiveness of three continuous sampling schemes, when the quality of the successive units in a continuous production process follows a two-state time-homogeneous Markov chain model which comprises the iid Bernoulli model considered by Dodge. The average outgoing quality and operating characteristics functions have been formulated and some numerical results have been given when the serial correlation coefficient of the Markov chain is assumed to be known a priori

Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Treated and Untreated Moringa Oleifera Pods Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Polymer Composite for Packaging Applications

Researchers now focus on the use of natural fiber polymer composites materials for packing applications. This attention is due to their low cost and renewable characteristics. Fabrication of composites with the use of renewable resources has many benefits of alternating from an appropriate management and reduction in industrial wastages, ecofriendly behaviour to cost effectiveness. The artificial fibers in packing industries can be replaced by natural fibers in the areas where stiffness and high strength are not the primary requirement. In the last decade the use of Natural fibers in the place of artificial fibers for reinforcements in epoxy resin matrix ratio has been gaining momentum. In this work, the different quantity of treated and untreated Moringa pods Oleifera fiber were reinforced LV5012 CNSL hardener with LY556 Epoxy by using hand lay-up technique. Mechanical behaviour (tensile, flexural and impact), Tribological and water absorption behaviour are evaluated. The microstructural analysis of fabricated composite was done by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to analysis the fiber strength, internal fiber failure, cracks and interfacial properties of the fractured surfaces. Based on the results, treated MOPF polymer composites have found better mechanical, wear and water absorption properties to be used for packaging applications compared with untreated MOPF polymer composites

NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF FLOWTHROUGH CONICAL DIFFUSER WITH SWIRLGENERATOR

Swirlisatangentialvelocitycomponentofthefluidflowandisoftenpresentintheconicaldiffuserasaresultofrotatingmachineryintheupstream section. The present experimental work isdedicated to study theeffectof moderate swirlonwide angle conicaldiffuser performanceandflow development. The numerical investigation were performed in ansyssoftware. Thereare two different diffusers having a cone angle ofand 21°(with area ratio 4.2) were selectedfor this investigation. The results showedthat the moderate swirl can significantly improvethe stalled diffuser(21°coneangle)performance;however,ithasalittleeffectonthediffuser(13°cone angle) havingincipient turbulent boundary layer separation. It wasconfirmed that the introduction ofmoderate swirl reduces the chances offlowseparationinwideangle conical diffusers

Present and Futuristic Trends in Weapon System

The basic principle of war is based on protection, mobility and firepower. The present scenario of omni-directional and multidisciplinary threats and decreasing response time has made intelligence inevitable for the system to survive and win the war. The intelligence of the system calls for interface of refined logic with systems without compromising any parameters of the gun. However, much of the efforts and funds are directed towards developing the newer technologies to enhance the performance of weapon system in terms of accuracy, consistency, range (stand-off), lethality and transportability. The efforts are also directed towards making smart weapons controlled distantly and cost effective. The future battlefields are going to be dominated by the technological advancements taking place and thus, the technological superiority (i.e. systems with high degree of intelligence) over the adversaries will be the deciding factor to win the war

The Strength of Receptor Signaling Is Centrally Controlled through a Cooperative Loop between Ca2+ and an Oxidant Signal

SummaryActivation of cell-surface receptors stimulates generation of intracellular signals that, in turn, direct the cellular response. However, mechanisms that ensure combinatorial control of these signaling events are not well understood. We show here that the Ca2+ and reactive oxygen intermediates generated upon BCR activation rapidly engage in a cooperative interaction that acts in a feedback manner to amplify the early signal generated. This cooperativity acts by regulating the concentration of the oxidant produced. The latter exerts its influence through a pulsed inactivation of receptor-coupled phosphatases, where the amplitude of this pulse is determined by oxidant concentration. The extent of phosphatase inhibition, in turn, dictates what proportion of receptor-proximal kinases are activated and, as a result, the net strength of the initial signal. It is the strength of this initial signal that finally determines the eventual duration of BCR signaling and the rate of its transmission through downstream pathways

Effect of planting techniques and weed control treatments on growth and yield of wheat

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting techniques (conventional drill sowing at 16, 18 and 20 cm row spacing and bed planting with two and three rows in main plots) and weed control treatments (pinoxaden 50 g/ha, ready-mix (RM) of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha and pinoxaden 50 g/ha + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha in subplots) on growth and productivity of wheat. The grain yield under row spacing 18 cm (53.30 q/ha), and 20 cm (52.02 q/ha), and three rows bed planting (51.96 q/ha) were recorded statistically at par with each other and significantly higher than 16 cm (49.37 q/ha) row spacing and two row bed planting (48.53 q/ha). Gross returns (Rs. 95637/ha) and net returns (Rs. 43929/ha) and B:C ratio (1.85) were record-ed higher under 18 cm row spacing compared to other planting techniques. Tank mixed application of pinoxaden 50 g/ha + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha applied at 35 days after sowing (DAS) controlled both grassy and broad leaved weeds effectively with lower values of weed dry matter accumulation (7.67 g/ha) and produced growth parameters, yield attributes and yield (53.16 q/ha) at par with weed free treatment. In light of the results to maximise productivity, 18 cm row spacing may be practiced and tank mix application of pinoxaden (50 g/ha) + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron (25 g/ha) is recommended to reduce losses due to complex weed flora in wheat

Genetic Locus Required for Antigenic Maturation of \u3cem\u3eRhizobium etli\u3c/em\u3e CE3 Lipopolysaccharide

Rhizobium etli modifies lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure in response to environmental signals, such as low pH and anthocyanins. These LPS modifications result in the loss of reactivity with certain monoclonal antibodies. The same antibodies fail to recognize previously isolated R. etli mutant strain CE367, even in the absence of such environmental cues. Chemical analysis of the LPS in strain CE367 demonstrated that it lacked the terminal sugar of the wild-type O antigen, 2,3,4-tri-O-methylfucose. A 3-kb stretch of DNA, designated as lpe3, restored wild-type antigenicity when transferred into CE367. From the sequence of this DNA, five open reading frames were postulated. Site-directed mutagenesis and complementation analysis suggested that the genes were organized in at least two transcriptional units, both of which were required for the production of LPS reactive with the diagnostic antibodies. Growth in anthocyanins or at low pH did not alter the specific expression of gusA from the transposon insertion of mutant CE367, nor did the presence of multiple copies of lpe3 situated behind a strong, constitutive promoter prevent epitope changes induced by these environmental cues. Mutations of the lpe genes did not prevent normal nodule development on Phaseolus vulgaris and had very little effect on the occupation of nodules in competition with the wild-type strain