Yarn engineering using hybrid artificial neural network-genetic algorithm model

This work aims to manufacture cotton yarns with requisite quality by choice of suitable raw materials for a given spinning system. To fulfill this aim, a hybrid model based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) has been developed which captures both the high prediction power of ANN and global solution searching ability of GA. In an attempt to achieve a yarn having predefined tenacity and evenness, a constrained optimization problem is formulated with the ANN input-output relation between fibre and yarn properties. GA has been used to solve the optimization problem by searching the best combination of fibre properties that can translate into reality a yarn with the desired quality. The model is capable in identifying the set of fibre properties that gives requisite yarn quality with reasonable degree of accuracy.     

Selection of raw materials in textile spinning industry using fuzzy multi-criteria decision making approach

Selection of raw materials in textile spinning industry is a multi-criteria decision making problem. It is a decision of strategic importance as textile is a typical high volume but low profit industry. The nature of raw material selection decision, in most of the cases, is very crude and unstructured. Therefore, advanced decision science techniques might be useful for solving such kind of intricate problems. The inability of common decision making methods to handle imprecision and uncertainty, make them inapt in situations which involves fuzzy information. However, fuzzy decision making techniques can elicit reasonable and logical solutions in these situations. This paper presents the use of fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select the raw materials (cotton fibres) for the textile spinning industries. The results indicate that the fuzzy AHP can quantitatively translate the imprecise perception of the decision maker and yield better results than some of the traditional raw material selection methods used in the textile industry.     

Proximate,Fatty Acid,and Amino Acid Compositions of Fish Muscle and Egg Tissue of Hilsa (Tenualosa) ilisha

The total lipid profile including the fatty acid composition and amino acid composition in eggs of Hilsa (Tenualosa) ilisha was studied in comparison with its muscle tissue. The eggs contained 30.4% lipid (on dry basis), which was 1.2 times higher than that of the muscle tissue lipid. The major portion of the egg lipid was composed of wax ester (about 47.6%) followed by triacylglycerol (TAG), phospholipid (PL), and cholesterol. The muscle tissue lipid contained TAG as the major fraction (41.8 ± 1.48%). Total amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was about 43 ± 0.05% and 32.4 ± 0.24% in egg PL and body tissue PL fractions, respectively. Among fatty alcohols of egg wax ester, 16:0 alcohol is predominant (56.4 ± 3.02%). Both the egg and muscle tissues are rich in all essential amino acids. The results indicate that muscle and eggs from Hilsa are rich in essential amino acids, PUFA, and phospholipids which are essential for human health and membrane development.     

Identification of MDP (muramyl dipeptide)-binding key domains in NOD2 (nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-2) receptor of Labeo rohita

In lower eukaryotes-like fish, innate immunity contributed by various pattern recognition receptor (PRR) plays an essential role in protection against diseases. Nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-2 is a cytoplasmic PRR that recognizes MDP (muramyl dipeptide) of the Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as ligand and activates signalling to induce innate immunity. Hypothesizing a similar NOD2 signalling pathway of higher eukaryotes, the peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) of rohu (Labeo rohita) was stimulated with MDP. The data of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed MDP-mediated inductive expression of NOD2 and its down-stream molecule RICK/RIP2 (receptor-interacting serine-threonine protein kinase-2). This observation suggested the existence of MDP-binding sites in rohu NOD2 (rNOD2). To investigate it, 3D model of ligand-binding leucine-rich repeat (LRR) region of rNOD2 (rNOD2-LRR) was constructed following ab initio and threading approaches in I-TASSER web server. Structural refinement of the model was performed by energy minimization, and MD (molecular dynamics) simulation was performed in GROMACS (Groningen Machine for Chemical Simulations). The refined model of rNOD2-LRR was validated through SAVES, ProSA, ProQ, WHAT IF and MolProbity servers, and molecular docking with MDP was carried out in GOLD 4.1. The result of docking identified LRR3-7 comprising Lys820, Phe821, Asn822, Arg847, Gly849, Trp877, Trp901 and Trp931 as MDP-binding critical amino acids in rNOD2. This is the first study in fish to provide an insight into the 3D structure of NOD2-LRR region and its important motifs that are expected to be engaged in MDP binding and innate immunity.     

Modeling of abrasion resistance of Persian handmade wool carpets using response surface methodology

The effect of knot density, pile height, number of ply in pile yarn and pile yarn twist on abrasion resistance of Persian handmade wool carpets has been studied. The interaction between the process variables has been analyzed by using response surface methodology based on the Box-Behnken design of experiment. Knot density, pile height, interactions between knot density and pile height; pile height and pile yarn twist; as well as squares of the knot density, pile height and number of ply in pile yarn are significant process variables. The minimum abrasion loss occurs at the combination(s) of medium values of knot density (six knots per inch) and number of ply in pile yarn (three ply) as well as lower values of pile height (ten mm) and pile yarn twist (three and a half twists per inch).     

Improving the impact resistance of p-aramid fabrics by sequential impregnation with shear thickening fluid

A simple and effective method for impregnation of p-aramid (Kevlar^®) fabric with shear thickening fluid (STF) has been developed in this research. Kevlar fabric was impregnated with STF in two stages in a sequential manner. Three levels of pressure (0.5, 1 and 2 bar) were used in each stage of impregnation. It was observed that impact energy absorption by Kevlar fabrics, impregnated with STF in this newly developed method, increased significantly as compared to untreated Kevlar fabrics and Kevlar fabrics treated with STF in conventional way (single step impregnation). Better results were obtained when the first impregnation pressure was higher than that of the second, even with same combination of pressures. Such fabrics also showed a much higher STF add-on (~18 %) as compared to that of fabrics impregnated in single step (3-5 %). Low velocity ballistic tests also confirmed the advantages of the new method as sequentially impregnated fabric showed 124.8 % and 24.4 % increase in impact energy absorption compared to untreated and STF impregnated Kevlar fabrics in single step, respectively.     

Change in activity of detoxifying enzymes in directionally selected population of tea mosquito bug (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Helopeltis theivora</Emphasis>) (Heteroptera: Miridae) by an organophosphate insecticide

The heteropteran bug, Helopeltis theivora is a polyphagous pest attacking the foliage crop tea and several other crops grown in the old world tropics. Application of synthetic insecticides, especially organophosphate was so far an effective and economic means of conventional management of the pest. Severe selection (bottlenecking) of H. theivora population by exposure to LC₈₀ dose of an organophosphate insecticide, monocrotophos resulted in 105 fold increase in tolerance level in the third generation. The total activity of general esterases (GE) and cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases (CYP450) analogously increased in insecticide-selected F2 generation by 16.4 and 9.5 fold, respectively. Such enhanced enzyme activity could be related to the higher tolerance levels of the selected bug. Electropherogram of GE and CYP450 of the insecticide-selected generations indicated a change in isozyme profile with their elevated expressions. Induced isozymes in insecticide selected generations were only partially inhibited, when blocked by the insecticide. These findings imply that different groups (zones) of isozymes of the detoxifying enzymes are involved in imparting higher tolerance in insecticide-selected generations. Isozyme profiles of defence enzymes can be used as indices for identifying tolerance level in the field population of H. theivora, enabling tea planters to carry out rapid monitoring of the tolerance status of the pest populations, thereby providing a ready clue to choose an effective insecticide for pest management.     

Effects of growth regulators on growth and flowering in Hippeastrum hybridum hort

Soaking of bulbs in 3 concentrations of indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA₃), 2-chloroethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (cycocel) or 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethrel) showed various responses on growth and flowering. IAA increased the weight and number of bulblets, GA₃ increased bulb weight. Cycocel (1000 mg l^?1) increased the number of flowers, while GA₃ increased the diameter of the flowers.Application of IAA at 100 mg l^?1 and GA₃ at 10, 100 or 1000 mg l^?1 twice as foliar spray at an interval of 30 days promoted the number of bulblets on the treated plants, while high concentrations of cycocel and ethrel (1000 mg l^?1) increased the weight of bulblets. All concentrations of IAA, GA₃ and 1000 mg l^?1 cycocel increased the number and size of the flowers.     

Evaluation of two dynamic axial fixators for large ruminants

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate healing of a radial osteotomy repaired by application of dynamic axial fixation devices (DAF) in large ruminants. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo study of bone healing after application of 2 DAF types. Model I had 2 sidebars, each with a central cylindrical cuff (internally threaded) with 2 detachable connecting rods telescoping within the cuff. Model II had 2 side bars with 2 moveable clamps with multiple holes. SAMPLE POPULATION: Bull calves (n=8; aged, 1.5-2.0 years; weighing, 175-250 kg). METHODS: A mid-diaphyseal radial osteotomy was repaired by use of a model I (n=4) or model II (n=4) DAF. Calves were monitored for weight bearing, stability of fixation, and radiographically for fracture reduction, alignment and healing at intervals for 6 months. Fixators were removed when there was radiographic evidence of healing. RESULTS: Both the fixators were well tolerated with free movement of adjacent joints. Fragment fixation was maintained until healing in all but 1 model I calf where failure occurred within 7 days. Model II DAF provided more rigid fixation as indicated by early full weight bearing and fracture healing with less callus formation. Functional recovery of repaired limbs occurred within 60 days in surviving calves. CONCLUSIONS: Both bilateral DAFs were easy to apply; however, the model II DAF provided better fixation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The model II DAF made of low carbon steel was economical and may be useful for treating long bone fractures in large ruminants.