Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System and a Multilayer Perceptron Model Trained with Grey Wolf Optimizer for Predicting Solar Diffuse Fraction

The accurate prediction of the solar diffuse fraction (DF), sometimes called the diffuse ratio, is an important topic for solar energy research. In the present study, the current state of Diffuse irradiance research is discussed and then three robust, machine learning (ML) models are examined using a large dataset (almost eight years) of hourly readings from Almeria, Spain. The ML models used herein, are a hybrid adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), a single multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and a hybrid multi-layer perceptron grey wolf optimizer (MLP-GWO). These models were evaluated for their predictive precision, using various solar and DF irradiance data, from Spain. The results were then evaluated using frequently used evaluation criteria, the mean absolute error (MAE), mean error (ME) and the root mean square error (RMSE). The results showed that the MLP-GWO model, followed by the ANFIS model, provided a higher performance in both the training and the testing procedures.     

基于CARS技术的超燃冲压发动机点火过程温度测量

相干anti-Stokes Raman散射（coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering，CARS）技术作为一种非接触测量手段，已广泛应用于多种发动机模型燃烧室温度测量及地面试验.然而，目前的工作主要集中在稳态燃烧场温度的测量，缺乏用高分辨率的单脉冲来测量瞬变的燃烧火焰温度及组分浓度的研究.基于CARS理论，结合多参数拟合算法，开发了基于MATLAB的CARS光谱计算和拟合程序CARSCF；利用McKenna平面火焰炉在不同工况下进行了温度测量，并与DLR测量结果进行对比，结果显示开发的CARSCF具有较高的测量重复性和准确性；最后将CARS技术应用于测量超燃冲压发动机点火过程中的温度测量，获取了点火过程中的温度.结果显示，在来流Mach数为3的条件下，H₂/air点火过程中温度呈现急剧上升然后缓慢下降，而CARS信号则呈现急剧上升然后急剧下降随后又缓慢上升的趋势，并且在点火过程中最高温度为1 511 K.      

An automated vane shear test tool for environmental monitoring with unmanned ground vehicles

The present work describes the development of a novel robotic vane shear test tool for characterization of soil parameters with high precision and accuracy. The tool automates industrial standards for testing procedures. The proposed system is capable of performing high resolution torque measurements, which are then used to estimate the shear strength of the soil. The design of the instrument and its advantages over traditional manual instruments are discussed, after which error sources, calibration, and test procedures are described. The developed tool was successfully validated against high-end commercial equipment. The built unit was employed for characterizing mine waste in a laboratory setting and also deployed in the field on board an Unmanned Ground Vehicle for remote soil characterization.     

Dynamic and buckling analysis of polymer hybrid composite beam with variable thickness

This work deals with a study of the dynamic and buckling analysis of polymer hybrid composite(PHC) beam. The beam has variable thickness and is reinforced by carbon nanotubes(CNTs) and nanoclay(NC) simultaneously. The governing equations are derived based on the first shear deformation theory(FSDT). A three-phase HalpinTsai approach is used to predict the mechanical properties of the PHC. We focus our attention on the effect of the simultaneous addition of NC and CNT on the vibration and buckling analysis of the PHC beam with variable thickness. Also a comparison study is done on the sensation of three impressive parameters including CNT, NC weight fractions, and the shape factor of fillers on the mechanical properties of PHC beams,as well as fundamental frequencies of free vibrations and critical buckling load. The results show that the increase of shape factor value, NC, and CNT weight fractions leads to considerable reinforcement in mechanical properties as well as increase of the dimensionless fundamental frequency and buckling load. The variation of CNT weight fraction on elastic modulus is more sensitive rather than shear modulus but the effect of NC weight fraction on elastic and shear moduli is fairly the same. The shape factor values more than the medium level do not affect the mechanical properties.     

Resolution and isolation of enantiomers of (±)‐isoxsuprine using thin silica gel layers impregnated with l‐glutamic acid,comparison of separation of its diastereomers prepared with chiral derivatizing reagents having l‐amino acids as chiral auxiliaries

Thin silica gel layers impregnated with optically pure l ‐glutamic acid were used for direct resolution of enantiomers of (±)‐isoxsuprine in their native form. Three chiral derivatizing reagents, based on DFDNB moiety, were synthesized having l ‐alanine, l ‐valine and S‐benzyl‐l ‐cysteine as chiral auxiliaries. These were used to prepare diastereomers under microwave irradiation and conventional heating. The diastereomers were separated by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography on a C₁₈ column with detection at 340 nm using gradient elution with mobile phase containing aqueous trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile in different compositions and by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) on reversed phase (RP) C₁₈ plates. Diastereomers prepared with enantiomerically pure (+)‐isoxsuprine were used as standards for the determination of the elution order of diastereomers of (±)‐isoxsuprine. The elution order in the experimental study of RP‐TLC and RP‐HPLC supported the developed optimized structures of diastereomers based on density functional theory. The limit of detection was 0.1–0.09 µg/mL in TLC while it was in the range of 22–23 pg/mL in HPLC and 11–13 ng/mL in RP‐TLC for each enantiomer. The conditions of derivatization and chromatographic separation were optimized. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, limit of detection and limit of quantification. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of poly(n‐butyl acrylate) homopolymer and poly(styrene‐b‐n‐butyl acrylate‐b‐styrene) triblock copolymer via AGET emulsion ATRP using a cationic surfactant

Cationic emulsions of triblock copolymer particles comprising a poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PⁿBA) central block and polystyrene (PS) outer blocks were synthesized by activator generated by electron transfer (AGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Difunctional ATRP initiator, ethylene bis(2‐bromoisobutyrate) (EBBiB), was used as initiator to synthesize the ABA type poly(styrene‐b‐n‐butyl acrylate‐b‐styrene) (PS‐PⁿBA‐PS) triblock copolymer. The effects of ligand and cationic surfactant on polymerizations were also discussed. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to characterize the molecular weight (M_n) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the resultant triblock copolymers. Particle size and particle size distribution of resulted latexes were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The resultant latexes showed good colloidal stability with average particle size around 100–300 nm in diameter. Glass transition temperature (T_g) of copolymers was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 611–620     

Lanthanum trilactate: Vibrational spectroscopic study − infrared/Raman spectroscopy

In this study lanthanum trilactate was prepared by neutralization reaction of lactic acid and lanthanum oxide, purified and identified by X-ray powder diffraction. Infrared spectra (Mid-IR region 4000–650 cm⁻¹) and Raman spectra (Stokes region 4000–100 cm⁻¹) of the high quality crystalline samples have been recorded and presented for the first time. For comparison DFT calculations were performed using Gaussian 09 D.01 and agreement between predicted and measured spectral data has been achieved. Acquired information can be utilized for substance identification for example in various industrial applications or in biological systems.     

Preparation and properties of luffa fiber- and kenaf fiber-filled poly(butylene succinate-co-lactate)/starch blend-based biocomposites

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate-co-lactate) (PBSL)/starch blends that contain various amounts of starch were prepared. In addition, luffa fiber (LF) and kenaf fiber (KF) were incorporated, individually, into PBSL/starch (70/30) blend to achieve biocomposites. The LF and KF were treated with NaOH_(aq) prior to their addition to the blend. The Young's modulus and flexural modulus of PBSL increased with the addition of starch and increased further after the formation of the biocomposites. The highest Young's modulus increment, which was found in the KF-added system, was up to a 2.2-fold increase compared with neat PBSL. The tensile/flexural/impact strength of PBSL declined after the formation of the blends. With the further addition of LF/KF, the said properties leveled off. The blends exhibited higher complex viscosity and dynamic storage modulus in the melt state than the neat PBSL, and the values further increased in the biocomposites. The crystallization temperature of PBSL slightly decreased in the blends. By contrast, the biocomposites showed an increment in PBSL crystallization temperature, from 73.0 °C (PBSL) to 75.3 °C (KF-added composite), thereby confirming the surface nucleation effect of LF/KF. The blends showed a higher degree of water absorption than PBSL. The formation of biocomposites led to an even higher degree of water absorption. The current approach of including LF/KF in the PBSL/starch blend to enhance the rigidity and biodegradability was advantageous in expanding the applications of PBSL.