Search results for "UF"

A Multi objective inventory model for short food supply chains

2017

Over the past 50 years, vertically integrated multinationals dominated global food markets by providing huge product diversity at low prices. Such systems are characterized by long supply chains capable of achieving high cost efficiencies resulting from the use of cheap raw materials, high chemical inputs, industrial shelf-life extension processes, economies of scale and mechanization. This dominant position on the market, however, has been achieved at a heavy cost on the global environment, generated by massive food wastage, and by a steady supply of fossil fuels. For such reasons, global supply chains are considered unsustainable and new food systems are being promoted in order to replace…

FMEA - BASIC CONCEPT IN PRODUCT QUALITY

2018

Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is a systematic procedure for analyzing a system (the entire system or just an assembly, subassembly or component) to identify potential failure modes, causes and effects of each failure on system operation. A somewhat different definition was formulated by Goddard Space Flight Center (USA) : FMEA is a procedure whereby every credible way of defeating each item from the lower decomposition level to the highest level is analyzed to determine effects on the system and classify each potential way of failure according to the severity of its effect.

Identification and Experimental Validation of an Induction Motor Thermal Model for Improved Drivetrain Design

2017

The ability of an electric powertrain to perform according to mechanical specifications is equally important as assessing its thermal protection limits, which are affected by its electrical and thermal properties. Although rated parameters (such as power, torque, etc.) are easily accessible in catalogs of equipment producers, more specific properties like mass/length of copper winding, heat dissipation factor, etc., are not available to customers. Therefore, an effective selection of drivetrain components is limited due to the lack of sufficient data and the need to consult critical design decisions with suppliers. To overcome this limitation, we propose a method to estimate the temperature…

Ambient Temperature, Social Perception and Social Behavior

2020

The literature suggests that human perception and behavior vary with physical temperature. We provide an experimental test of how different ambient temperature conditions impact social behavior and social perception: Subjects went through a series of tasks measuring various aspects of social behavior and perception under three temperature conditions (cold vs. optimal vs. warm). Despite well-established findings on temperature effects, our data suggest that physical temperature has no relevant influence on social behavior and social perception. We corroborate our finding of a null effect by the use of equivalence testing and provide a discussion in the light of recent failed replication atte…

Incidental Finding of Coronary Embolism During Valve Surgery

2009

Clinical conditions responsible for hyperviscosity and skin ulcers complications

2017

In this brief review, we have examined some clinical conditions that result to be associated to an altered hemorheological profile and at times accompanied by skin ulcers. This skin condition may be observed in patients with the following condtions, such as primary polycythemic hyperviscosity (polycythemia, thrombocytemia) treated with hydroxyurea, primary plasma hyperviscosity (multiple myeloma, cryoglobulinemia, cryofibrinogenemia, dysfibrinogenemia, and connective tissue diseases), primary sclerocythemic hyperviscosity (hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease). In addition, it may be present in patients with secondary hyperviscosity conditions such as diabetes mell…

Comparative experimental analysis on the compressive behaviour of masonry columns strengthened by FRP, BFRCM or steel wires

2017

Abstract In the last decade, several studies have investigated the application of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wraps to masonry piers in order to provide a confinement effect and enhance compressive strength and ductility. Although this technique has proved to be quite effective, various drawbacks arise when organic resins are used to bind fibres. To solve these problems, different techniques have been developed to be used as alternative methods for enhancing the structural performances of weak masonry columns. Among these, the use of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (BFRCM) wrapping, or the application of steel wires at mortar joints. This paper presents the results of an expe…

Optimization of net power density in Reverse Electrodialysis

2019

Abstract Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) extracts electrical energy from the salinity difference between two solutions using selective ion exchange membranes. In RED, conditions yielding a large net power density (NPD) are generally desired, due to the still large cost of the membranes. NPD depends on a large number of physical and geometric parameters. Some of these, for example the inlet concentrations of concentrate and diluate, can be regarded as “scenario” variables, imposed by external constraints (e.g., availability) or chosen by different criteria than NPD maximization. Others, namely the thicknesses HCONC, HDIL and the velocities UCONC, UDIL in the concentrate and diluate channels, c…

Channel estimation and transmit power control in wireless body area networks

2015

Wireless body area networks have recently received much attention because of their application to assisted living and remote patient monitoring. For these applications, energy minimisation is a critical issue since, in many cases, batteries cannot be easily replaced or recharged. Reducing energy expenditure by avoiding unnecessary high transmission power and minimising frame retransmissions is therefore crucial. In this study, a transmit power control scheme suitable for IEEE 802.15.6 networks operating in beacon mode with superframe boundaries is proposed. The transmission power is modulated, frame-by-frame, according to a run-time estimation of the channel conditions. Power measurements u…

Friction Stir Spot Welding of AA6082-T6: influence of the most relevant process parameters and comparison with classic mechanical fastening techniques

2007

The results of an experimental study on friction stir spot welding (FSSW) of AA6082-T6 are reported. In particular, process mechanics is highlighted and joint strength is considered in relation to varying the most relevant process parameters. Furthermore, the results obtained are compared with those derived from the application of traditional mechanical fastening techniques such as clinching and riveting. In this way the effectiveness of FSSW is highlighted.