Utilization of Industrial Waste Slag as Aggregate in Concrete Applications by Adopting Taguchi’s Approach for Optimization

This paper presents result of an experimental investigation carried out to evaluate effects of replacing aggregates (coarse & fine) with that of Slag (Crystallized & Granular) which is an industrial waste by-product on concrete strength properties by using Taguchi’s approach of optimization. Whole study was done in three phases, in the first phase natural coarse aggregate was replaced by crystallized slag coarse aggregate keeping fine aggregate (natural sand) common in all the mixes, in the second phase fine aggregate (natural sand) was replaced by granular slag keeping natural coarse aggregate common in all the mixes and in the third phase both the aggregates were replaced by crystallized & granular aggregates. The study concluded that compressive strength of concrete improved almost all the % replacements of normal crushed coarse aggregate with crystallized slag by 5% to 7%. In case of replacements of fine aggregate and both type of aggregates, the strength improvements were notably noticed at 30% to 50% replacement level. It could also be said that full substitution of slag aggregate with normal crushed coarse aggregate improved the flexure and split tensile strength by 6% to 8% at all replacements and in case of replacing fine aggregate & both the aggregates( Fine & coarse) with slag, the strength improvement was at 30% to 50% replacements. It is evident from the investigation that Taguchi approach for optimization helped in indentifying the factors affecting the final outcomes. Based on the overall observations, it could be recommended that Slag could be effectively utilized as coarse & fine aggregates in all concrete applications.

Investigation of ductile iron casting process parameters using Taguchi approach and response surface methodology

To find the optimized levels of various casting parameters in the ductile iron casting, various casting defects and the rejection rate were observed from a medium scale foundry. The controlled values of different casting parameters such as pouring temperature, inoculation, carbon equivalent, moisture content, green compression strength, permeability and mould hardness were selected. Three different melts of metal with 0.4wt.%, 0.6wt.%, and 0.8wt.% inoculation(Fe-Si-Mg alloy and post inoculant) were produced using a 1-ton capacity coreless medium frequency induction furnace. L-27 orthogonal array with 3-level settings were chosen for the analysis. Responses for each run were observed. The signal-to-noise(S/N) ratio for each run was calculated using the Taguchi approach, and the optimized levels of different casting parameters were identified based on the S/N ratio. The analysis of variance for the casting acceptance percentage concludes that inoculation is the most significant factor affecting the castings' quality with a contribution percentage of 44%; an increase in inoculation results in a significant improvement in acceptance percentage of ductile iron castings. The experiment results showed that with the optimized parameters, the rejection rate was reduced from 16.98% to 6.07%.

Optimization of safflower oil transesterification using the Taguchi approach

Biodiesel is an alternative renewable fuel which is produced by using biomass resources. Its physicochemical properties are close to those of the petroleum diesel fuel. This study highlights biodiesel production from safflower seed oil. The main aim of this experimental work is to optimize the process parameters, namely the methanolto-oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction time and reaction temperature for biodiesel production. The Taguchi robust design approach was used with an L9 orthogonal array to analyze the influence of process factors on performance parameters. The results showed that the optimum yield of biodiesel was 93.8% with viscosity 5.60 c St, with a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 4:1, catalyst concentration of 1.5 wt%, reaction time of 90 min and reaction temperature of 60 ℃. The catalyst concentration was found to be the most influencing parameter which contributed 51.1% and 50.8% of the total effect on the yield of biodiesel, Y;, and viscosity of biodiesel, Y;, respectively.

Optimization of PVD process parameter for coating AZ91D magnesium alloy by Taguchi grey approach

This study was an attempt made to explore the possibility of increasing the surface properties of the AZ91D magnesium alloy by applying ZrO_(2)coating using Physical Vapour Deposition(PVD-RF)sputtering process.In order to improve the quality of the coating,the PVD process parameter with multiple performance characteristics was optimized by using the Taguchi grey approach.L 18 orthogonal array was selected for conducting the experiments.The proposed Taguchi grey method was find out the optimal process parameter for multiple performance characteristics.The optimal combination was attained at chamber pressure of 0.003 bar,argon gas in millibar and power input of 200 W.The validation experiment result shows an improvement in the micro hardness and surface finish.Also,the performance characterizations such as SEM,EDX,XRD,coating thickness,surface roughness and micro hardness were measured at optimal process parameter.

Combining ability and gene action studies for yield and fibre traits in Gossypium arboreum using Griffings numerical and Haymans graphical approach

Background For the purpose of utilising hybrid vigour to produce possible hybrids with a suitable level of stability,the knowledge of gene activity and combining ability is a crucial prerequisite before choosing desirable parents.The present study was carried out with six parents crossed in full diallel fashion and generated 30 F1 hybrids.These hybrids were evaluated in two replications in Randomized Block Design at Department of Cotton,TNAU for combining ability and gene action.Diallel analysis was carried out according to Griffing’s method-I(parents + F_(1) + reciprocals) and model-I and Hayman’s graphical approach by using INDOSTAT software.Results Analysis of variance for combining ability indicated that mean square values of GCA,SCA and reciprocals were highly significant for all the traits except for the uniformity index.RG763 and K12 showed highly positively significant GCA effects for most of the yield traits while PA838 and K12 for fibre quality traits,so they were found as best general combiners.PAIG379 × K12 and PDB29 × K12 for yield traits,and PDB29 × PA838,RG763 × PA838,and CNA1007 × RG763 cross combinations for fibre quality traits could be recommended for future breeding programms.Conclusion The results of both Griffing’s and Hayman’s approaches showed that non-additive gene action predominates as SCA variance was bigger than GCA variance,so heterosis breeding is thought to be a more fruitful option for enhancing GCA of many traits.

Optimization by the Taguchi Method of a Robust Synthesis Protocol of Calcium Carbonate Phosphate

The experimental processes are difficult to model by physical laws, because a multitude of factors can intervene simultaneously and are responsible for their instabilities and their random variations. Two types of factors are to be considered;those that are easy to manipulate according to the objectives, and those that can vary randomly (uncontrollable factors). These could eventually divert the system from the desired target. It is, therefore, important to implement a system that is insensitive to fluctuations in factors that are difficult to control. The aim of this study is to optimize the synthesis of an apatitic calcium carbonate phosphate characterized with a Ca/P ratio equal to 1.61 by using the experimental design method based on the Taguchi method. In this process, five factors are considered and must be configured to achieve the previously defined objective. The temperature is a very important factor in the process, but difficult to control experimentally, so considered to be a problem factor (noise factor), forcing us to build a robust system that is insensitive to the last one. Therefore, a much simpler model to study the robustness of a synthetic solution with respect to temperature is developed. We have tried to parameterize all the factors considered in the process within a wide interval of temperature variation (60˚C - 90˚C). Temperature changes are no longer considered as a problem for apatitic calcium carbonate phosphate synthesis. In this finding, the proposed mathematical model is linear and efficient with very satisfactory statistical indicators. In addition, several simple solutions for the synthesis of carbonate phosphate are proposed with a Ca/P ratio equal to 1.61.

Specific energy optimization in sawing of rocks using Taguchi approach

This work aims at selecting optimal operating variables to obtain the minimum specific energy(SE) in sawing of rocks.A particular granite was sampled and sawn by a fully automated circular diamond sawblades.The peripheral speed,the traverse speed,the cut depth and the flow rate of cooling fluid were selected as the operating variables.Taguchi approach was adopted as a statistical design of experimental technique for optimization studies.The results were evaluated based on the analysis of variance and signal-to-noise ratio(S/N ratio).Statistically significant operating variables and their percentage contribution to the process were also determined.Additionally,a statistical model was developed to demonstrate the relationship between SE and operating variables using regression analysis and the model was then verified.It was found that the optimal combination of operating variables for minimum SE is the peripheral speed of 25 m/s,the traverse speed of 70 cm/min,the cut depth of 2 cm and the flow rate of cooling fluid of 100 mL/s.The cut depth and traverse speed were statistically determined as the significant operating variables affecting the SE,respectively.Furthermore,the regression model results reveal that the predictive model has a high applicability for practical applications.

Neomicrocoleus gen.nov.(Microcoleaceae,Oscillatoriales),a novel cyanobacterial genus from benthic mats in a water channel

A new filamentous cyanobacterial strain(CHAB 4127)was successfully isolated from the algal mat during the field investigation of the open channel from Luanhe River to Tianjin,China.The polyphasic approach combining morphological,ultrastructural,ecological,and molecular features was used to characterize this studied strain.The strain is morphologically similar to the Microcoleus-like cyanobacterial taxa under light microscopy,and the radial arrangement of thylakoids is also consistent with that of Microcoleus-like groups.The phylogenetic position of CHAB 4127 based on 16S rRNA gene sequences,is shown to be clearly clustered into an independent clade with the newly established genus Microcoleusiopsis.The maximum similarity of 16S r RNA gene of the studied strain with other existing related cyanobacterial taxa is 93.97%,and the ITS secondary structures is also obviously different from other members of Microcoleaceae.Based on all the above evidence,we proposed the establishment of this novel cyanobacterial genus as Neomicrocoleus,with its type species,Neomicrocoleus tianjinensis.

Optimization of Carburized UNS G10170 Steel Process Parameters Using Taguchi Approach and Response Surface Model (RSM)

The utilization of carburizing materials in surface engineering has undergone many tremendous changes. Effective quality control is possible through carburizing the steel components under op-timal conditions. In this research work, process parameters like furnace temperature, soaking time and particle size of energizer were taken for optimization of carburized UNS-G10170 steel to yield maximum hardness using Taguchi’s design of experiment concepts and Response Surface Model. Nine experimental runs based on Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array were performed;signal to noise (S/N) ratios, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were used with hardness as response variable. From the optimization and experimental analyses conducted, it was observed that furnace temperature, soaking time and particle size had significant influence in obtaining a better surface integrity. The optimal values obtained during the study optimization by Taguchi approach and Response Surface Model (RSM) were validated by confirmation experiments.

The Comparison and Contrast of Skopostheorie and Baker's Equivalence Translation Approach

Equivalence can be said to be the central issue in translation although its different approaches have caused heated controversy.However,as early as the 1970s,the Skopostheorie emerged in Germany,and it seemed to challenge the equivalence theories.Although Nida and some linguistics raised some negative problems of this theory,it still rapidly became famous around the world,This article will mainly compare and analyse Skopostheorie and Baker's translation equivalence approach.First,it will give a simple overview of these two approaches.Second,it will discuss the relevant strengths and weaknesses of these two approaches in relation to their usage.Finally,it will discuss combining these two approaches in the same translation.

经皮微创、Wiltse间隙微创入路与传统切开后入路治疗老年胸腰椎骨折临床疗效

目的探讨经皮微创、Wiltse间隙微创及传统切开后入路联合伤椎椎弓根内固定术治疗老年胸腰椎骨折的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2018年3月至2021年12月诊断为胸腰椎骨折的老年患者98例的临床资料。根据手术入路的不同,将患者分为经皮组、Wiltse组和切开组,经皮组31例,其中男14例,女17例。平均年龄(69.3±6.6)岁;Wiltse组33例,男12例,女21例;平均年龄(68.7±7.1)岁;切开组34例,其中男16例,女18例,平均年龄(67.7±6.9)岁。比较3组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、透视次数、住院时间、Cobb′s角、伤椎椎体前缘高度、视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)及相关并发症。结果3组术后伤椎前缘高度和Cobb′s角较术前均有明显改善(P<0.05),术后3组组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。3组患者围手术期各项观察指标对比,经皮组的手术时间和透视次数比其他两组明显较多,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);切开组术中出血量、住院时间与其他两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);3组间的术后引流量相互比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。3组患者术后VAS评分及ODI值较术前均降低(P<0.05),且经皮组及Wiltse组患者术后的VAS评分和ODI值均优于切开组患者(P<0.05)。切开组术后出现手术及基础疾病相关并发症较多,与其他两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论治疗老年胸腰椎骨折,3种方法均可取得较好的临床效果,但经皮及Wiltse间隙微创入路相较于传统切开在软组织保护和术后功能康复方面更具优势,临床应用还需根据患者具体情况,采用合适的治疗方式才能够取得更好的疗效。

Comparison of the modified Wiltse’s approach with spinal minimally invasive system and traditional approach for the therapy of thoracolumbar fracture

Thoracolumbar fractures are usually treated by open posterior pedicle screw fixation.However,this procedure involves massive paraspinal muscle stripping,inflicting surgical trauma,and prolonged X-ray exposure.In this study,we observed 127 patients with single-segment injury thoracolumbar fractures.Thirty-six patients were treated by the modified Wiltse’s paraspinal approach with minimally invasive channel system,while 91 patients were treated via traditional posterior approach.Operation time,intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency,screw placement accuracy,visual analogue scale score,and Cobb’s angle of two groups were compared.The X-ray exposure times were notably reduced(4.2±1.6) in the new approach group(P<0.05).The pedicle screw placement accuracy and Cobb’s angle after surgery were similar in the two groups.We conclude that modified Wiltse’s paraspinal approach w ith spinal minimally invasive channel system surgery can significantly reduce the X-ray exposure times and is an alternative therapy for the thoracolumbar fracture.

A molecular mechanics approach for analyzing tensile nonlinear deformation behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes

In this paper, by capturing the atomic information and reflecting the behaviour governed by the nonlinear potential function, an analytical molecular mechanics approach is proposed. A constitutive relation for single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNT＇s） is established to describe the nonlinear stress-strain curve of SWCNT＇s and to predict both the elastic properties and breaking strain of SWCNT＇s during tensile deformation. An analysis based on the virtual internal bond （VIB） model proposed by P. Zhang et al. is also presented for comparison. The results indicate that the proposed molecular mechanics approach is indeed an acceptable analytical method for analyzing the mechanical behavior of SWCNT＇s.

New approaches for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease:a fascinating challenge

The prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is the new challenge for pharmaceutical industry,but also for public institutions,physicians,patients,and their families.The spread of these pathologies is,in fact,a real social problem,especially in the Western Countries where the population age is increasing and chronic diseases are more and more common.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a new treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a new treatment approach for Alzheimer’s disease（AD）：Alongside the increase in life expectancy,the prevalence of age-related disorders,such as neurodegenerative diseases,is on the rise.For example,AD,the most common form of dementia in the elderly,accounts for 60–80%of all dementia cases.

Tribological Behaviour of Aluminium/Alumina/Graphite Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite Using Taguchi’s Techniques

Tribological behaviour of aluminium alloy (Al-Si10Mg) reinforced with alumina (9%) and graphite (3%) fabricated by stir casting process was investigated. The wear and frictional properties of the hybrid metal matrix composites was studied by performing dry sliding wear test using a pin-on-disc wear tester. Experiments were conducted based on the plan of experiments generated through Taguchi’s technique. A L27 Orthogonal array was selected for analysis of the data. Investigation to find the influence of applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance on wear rate, as well as the coefficient of friction during wearing process was carried out using ANOVA and regression equations for each response were developed. Objective of the model was chosen as ‘smaller the better’ characteristics to analyse the dry sliding wear resistance. Results show that sliding distance has the highest influence followed by load and sliding speed. Finally, confirmation tests were carried out to verify the experimental results and Scanning Electron Microscopic studies were done on the wear surfaces.

A direct probabilistic approach to solve state equations for nonlinear systems under random excitation

In this paper, a direct probabilistic approach（DPA） is presented to formulate and solve moment equations for nonlinear systems excited by environmental loads that can be either a stationary or nonstationary random process.The proposed method has the advantage of obtaining the response＇s moments directly from the initial conditions and statistical characteristics of the corresponding external excitations. First, the response＇s moment equations are directly derived based on a DPA, which is completely independent of the It？/filtering approach since no specific assumptions regarding the correlation structure of excitation are made.By solving them under Gaussian closure, the response＇s moments can be obtained. Subsequently, a multiscale algorithm for the numerical solution of moment equations is exploited to improve computational efficiency and avoid much wall-clock time. Finally, a comparison of the results with Monte Carlo（MC） simulation gives good agreement.Furthermore, the advantage of the multiscale algorithm in terms of efficiency is also demonstrated by an engineering example.

Shifting balance from neurodegeneration to regeneration of the brain: a novel therapeutic approach to Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions

Neurodegeneration is one of the biggest public health problems in modern society. Age-associated neurodegeneration, which is accelerated several-fold in Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） alone, is not only an enormous social and economic burden to the affected in- dividuals and their families, but is also a great scientific challenge. Currently 25-35 million people worldwide suffer from AD, the single largest cause of dementia in middle- to old-aged individuals. These numbers are projected to triple by 2050 if no treatment to prevent or reverse AD is developed.

Analysis Approach to Durability Based on Material Initial Fatigue Quality and S-N Curve

Based on probabilistic fracture mechanics approach, a new concept of material initial fatigue quality （MIFQ） is developed. Then, the relation between S-N curve and crack propagation curve is studied. From the study, a new durability analysis method is presented. In this method, S-N curve is used to determine crack growth rate under constant amplitude loading and evaluate the effects of different factors on durability and then the structural durability is analyzed. The tests and analyses indicate that this method has lower dependence on testing, and higher accuracy, reliability and generality and is convenient for application.

Cymbal Structural Optimization for Improving Piezoelectric Harvesting Efficiency with Taguchi’s Orthogonal Experiment

To improve piezoelectric harvesting efficiency of Cymbal, optimization design of Cymbal parameters was studied with the method of Taguchi’s orthogonal experiment. The effective factors of piezoelectric harvesting property were firstly analyzed. The orthogonal experiment schedule was then designed. The finite element model of Cymbal was built via ASPL tool in ANSYS software and static analysis was done. The experimental results were gotten with developed program. The optimization level of each factor was gained. Under the synthetical optimization level of each design factor, the piezoelectric analysis was tested and the open voltage of 236.476 V was revealed with improving 35.73% than the maximum voltage of 174.228 V in the orthogonal experiment. The average voltage of 229.98 V was measured with the manufactured optimized Cymbal structure design. The relative error was 2.54% between simulation and measured data. It indicated that the optimization design schedule was reasonable. Cymbal harvester with the optimized parameters could scavenge larger voltage.