Experimental Plan Research Articles

Experimental planning analysis of cement pastes using cement for oil wells, microsilica and superplasticizer

The study and development of cement pastes are essential to determine the properties of matrices with cement for oil wells. Using different mixtures and adaptations requires analysis and verifications for each product generated. Thus, it is observed that additions and additives can contribute to forming cement matrices with predetermined properties. Thus, this work presents the study of the viscosity of pastes through the Marsh Funnel and Mini-Slump tests using mixtures with oil well cement (OWC) with additions of micro silica and superplasticizer in different proportions. In this context, a 3³ factorial experimental design and replications are presented considering the variables of active silica content, water/binder ratio (w/c), and superplasticizer content. The Statistica software obtains the response surface and different significance coefficients for each variable and their interactions in the process, thus optimizing the matrix for the desired cement paste. Finally, the statistical influence of each of the variables analyzed is analyzed, observing that the proportion between cement and silica is mainly relevant to the viscosity of the paste.

Experimental planning for assessing common bean lines regarding the severity of angular leaf spot

Experimental planning for assessing common bean lines regarding the severity of angular leaf spot

ANN modeling and RSM optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of protodioscin-rich extracts from Tribulus terrestris L.

Tribulus terrestris L. is a herb renowned for its abundance of saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are utilized in treating various health conditions. Protodioscin functions by enhancing the conversion of testosterone into potent dihydrotestosterone, stimulating an increase in libido, red blood cell production from the bone marrow, and muscle development. Contemporary ultrasound-assisted-extraction (UAE) process employing green extraction solvents was selected to design the required separation system. The experimental plan was developed based on the independent operating variables – extraction time, operating temperature and solvent system composition in order to determine the influence of defined parameters and their interactions on the extraction yield and the presence of protodioscin. The 3D-RSM approach was introduced to determine the optimal values of studied independent variables in the area of maximal extraction yield. UAE process performed at optimal operating conditions generated maximal extraction yield (31 %, w/w) and protodioscin content of 5.9 mg/g dry plant matrix. Experimental data was used to develop an ANN for the defined extraction system using the operating variables values as the input matrix and observed yield as target matrix. Successfully designed and trained ANN generated high correlation (r = 0.9992) between observed data and predictive model’ outputs, and MSE value of 0.29107.

Research on ultrasonic testing method for tangential contact stress based on equivalent medium theory

As a weak link, the joint surface of machine tools directly affects the stiffness and machining accuracy of the entire machine tool. However, obtaining the distribution of contact stress is a key problem that urgently needs to be solved in exploring the mechanical properties of joint surface connections. In this paper, a tangential contact stress ultrasonic testing method based on the equivalent medium theory is proposed, providing data support for accurately characterizing the contact state of the joint surface. A virtual material model of rough contact interface based on fractal theory is established to explore the coupling relationship between the propagation speed of ultrasonic critical refracted longitudinal waves, the tested object’s material parameters, and stress. Moreover, the expression of the equivalent material parameters of the ultrasonic critical refracted longitudinal wave propagation layer with stress variation is derived. An ultrasonic acoustic time difference model considering changes in contact surface material parameters is constructed based on the principle of acoustic elasticity of ultrasound. Furthermore, a critical refractive detection model for longitudinal wave’s tangential contact stress is established based on equivalent medium theory. Experimental specimens and stress detection plans are designed, and the tangential contact stress of the specimens is measured based on the division of surface grids. The equivalent stress value of each node is calculated based on the von Mises stress by measuring the stress in the X/Y direction. In addition, a shear stress distribution cloud map of the contact surface is drawn. Finally, the accuracy of the detection results is confirmed by combining theory, simulation, and experimental methods. The proposed tangential contact stress detection method based on critical refractive longitudinal waves is significant for low-stress assemblies.

Performance analysis of turning operation parameters empirically on Delrin

Delrin is the best additional material for metals because of its inherent qualities, such as great wear resistance and tensile strength. The main aim of this work is to investigate how independent variables like feed rate, spindle speed, and depth of cut are significant for dependent variables such as surface roughness, temperature, stresses, and material removal rate on novel material Delrin. The independent variable ranges are selected based on tool and workpiece material combinations and machine tool specification as spindle speed 230 – 844 rpm, feed rate 0.5 – 1.5 mm/rev, and depth of cut 1 – 3 mm. Based on the L27 orthogonal array experimental plan 27 numbers of experiments are conducted by the design of experiment concepts. The theoretical investigation through response surface methodology is also conducted to establish how independent variables affected dependent variables when Delrin was being machined. The independent variable's significance is determined by the ANOVA table for all the considered responses. In addition to the considered flow of work, the experiential model is developed by the utilization of regression analysis. The developed models are confirmed by experimental data and the models have the best validation results with the experimental results.

ПЛАНИРОВАНИЕ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТА ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ЩЕЛОЧНОГО ЧИСЛА МОТОРНОГО МАСЛА ОТ ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИОННЫХ ФАКТОРОВ В ПРЕДЕЛАХ ОДНОГО СРОКА ЗАМЕНЫ

Timely replacement of oil in engines of modern agricultural machinery is economically feasible, since it allows to fully exhaust the resource of engine oil and ensure the safety of the internal combustion engine. One of the ways to determine the moment of engine oil replacement with sufficient accuracy is to use a digital twin, for the creation of which data on the influence of operational factors on oil degradation obtained experimentally are required. Features of conducting experimental studies during engine bench tests are analyzed in the paper. An algorithm for planning an experiment based on probabilistic methods has been developed. It is shown that a bench experiment to collect data for building a digital twin can be carried out within one period of engine oil replacement, it should be planned in several stages and consist of several series of experiments, since the moment of reaching the critical value of the base number is not known in advance, and when planning the main experiment covering 250 engine hours in two series of 10 experiments, the duration of each experiment is determined from the condition of equality of the error in determining the change in the base number. The duration of the first series of experiments was 62.7 engine hours, and the second — 187.3 engine hours. The developed algorithm allowed to build a plan of a bench experiment consisting of four series of experiments with sequential uniform filling of the factor space without repeating the engine operating modes. The resulting experimental plan allows to determine the data with the planned accuracy, minimizes the number of experiments and uniformly fills the factor space at any duration of the experiment.

A systematic review of technology-enhanced problem-based learning in the 21st century

Problem-based learning and innovation are instruments that help the abilities expected to foster 21st-century abilities. This has set off enormous advancements in instructive exploration connected with Problem-based learning and innovation. This content examination concentrates on plans to efficiently dissect research patterns in problem-put-together learning and innovation-based concerning articles distributed in global diaries. In light of the laid-out consideration rules, 20 articles were gathered for examination utilizing the Paper Arrangement Structure (PCF) instrument. The aftereffects of the examination showed the strength of acquiring and moving abilities points, oddity-themed, with experimental plan strategies. The most widely recognized reconciliation designs were connected with consensus. Consequently, it is important to lead different problem-put-together learning and innovation studies concerning other possible issues to assist instructive organizations with creating HR that can contend in the 21st. Keywords: Problem-Based Learning, technology, 21st century

An Analysis of and Improvements in the Gear Conditions of the Automated Mechanical Transmission of a Battery Electric Vehicle Considering Energy Consumption and Power Performance

The design of the gear quantity and transmission parameters of a vehicle has large effects on its economical and power performance. This paper mainly researches the gear conditions (including the gear quantity and each gear’s transmission parameters) of two-gear and three-gear AMT (Automated Mechanical Transmission). This research uses Cruise software to build a multi-gear simulation model of a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and adopts the LHS (Latin hypercube sampling) method to design an experiment plan and conduct a simulation experiment. This paper proposes a systematic method for influencing factor analyses and the optimization of transmission parameters, combining fuzzy theory, multiple regression, and particle swarm optimization. The research results show that the gear quantity allowing for optimal overall performance is three. The highest score obtained in the results of the simulation experiment for three-gear AMT is 11.15% higher than that of the two-gear AMT. The optimal design plan for the two-gear AMT is a small ig1 with a big k1, in which case the highest score of the regression model increases by 2.67% compared with that before modeling. The optimal design plan for the three-gear AMT is a big k1 with a big k2, in which case the highest score of the regression model increases by 12.78% compared with that before modeling. Then, this research uses PSO (particle swarm optimization) to further optimize the regression models and compares the difference between the highest scores in the results of the simulation experiment. The difference between the highest scores of the three-gear and two-gear AMT further increases to 21.95% after optimization. As shown in the results, the key factor influencing the performance of two-gear and three-gear AMT is gear quantity.

Industrial boiler ash as an alternative for reducing formaldehyde emissions in medium-density fiberboards

ABSTRACT The study aimed to determine the feasibility of utilizing industrial boiler ash in the production of medium-density fiberboard, to reduce formaldehyde emissions without compromising physical and mechanical properties. Panels were manufactured with a density of 750 kg.m−³, employing 12% urea-formaldehyde resin and 1% paraffin emulsion, both with and without an ammonium sulfate-based catalyst. The production process involved cold pre-pressing followed by hot pressing at 180 °C and 40 kgf.cm−² for 10 min. The experimental plan varied in terms of the percentages of ash added to the adhesive (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%) and the application of the catalyst. Both the properties of the adhesives and the panels were assessed. It became evident that both the catalyst and ash altered the adhesive properties. Regarding panel properties, the ash reduced formaldehyde emissions, but the catalyst had a more pronounced effect. The catalyst's impact on moisture content, bending strength (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) was observed, whereas ash positively influenced dimensional stability at 5% levels but adversely affected internal bond.

Analysis of ultrasonic device influence on the ultrasonic thickness measurement of the steel grade

ABSTRACT Ultrasonic thickness measurement depends on the capability of the equipment and its operating characteristics, as well as on the auxiliary means used to adjust the system and analyse the obtained results. The characteristics of the ultrasonic device commonly used as a flaw detector are crucial for achieving accurate and precise results and are very important for the reliability of the results obtained in the measurement process, especially in production systems. This article aims to determine the quantitative variations in thickness caused by influencing parameters of the ultrasonic device and chosen ultrasonic probe, their quantification of interactions, and the significance of their influence on the accuracy and precision of the results. In the experimental part of the research, a factorial plan of the experiment was carried out to determine the influence of the ultrasonic device and the type of ultrasonic probe on the variability of the results of the ultrasonic thickness measurement. The parameters of the ultrasonic device and probes were analysed, and the experimental plan for developing the regression model was elaborated. The response surface methodology was applied, and the in-service measurement process was simulated using Monte Carlo simulation.

RepDilPCR: a tool for automated analysis of qPCR assays by the dilution-replicate method

BackgroundThe dilution-replicate experimental design for qPCR assays is especially efficient. It is based on multiple linear regression of multiple 3-point standard curves that are derived from the experimental samples themselves and thus obviates the need for a separate standard curve produced by serial dilution of a standard. The method minimizes the total number of reactions and guarantees that Cq values are within the linear dynamic range of the dilution-replicate standard curves. However, the lack of specialized software has so far precluded the widespread use of the dilution-replicate approach.ResultsHere we present repDilPCR, the first tool that utilizes the dilution-replicate method and extends it by adding the possibility to use multiple reference genes. repDilPCR offers extensive statistical and graphical functions that can also be used with preprocessed data (relative expression values) obtained by usual assay designs and evaluation methods. repDilPCR has been designed with the philosophy to automate and speed up data analysis (typically less than a minute from Cq values to publication-ready plots), and features automatic selection and performance of appropriate statistical tests, at least in the case of one-factor experimental designs. Nevertheless, the program also allows users to export intermediate data and perform more sophisticated analyses with external statistical software, e.g. if two-way ANOVA is necessary.ConclusionsrepDilPCR is a user-friendly tool that can contribute to more efficient planning of qPCR experiments and their robust analysis. A public web server is freely accessible at https://repdilpcr.eu without registration. The program can also be used as an R script or as a locally installed Shiny app, which can be downloaded from https://github.com/deyanyosifov/repDilPCR where also the source code is available.

Proposal of methods for determining the optimal size of experimental plots

Adequate planning of experiments is extremely important and for this to occur, the appropriate choice ofplot size is essential. Thus, determining the plot size seeks to increase experimental precision, since precision decreases when a plot size smaller than the ideal is chosen; on the other hand, when opting for plot sizes larger than the ideal, the researcher may use more resources than necessary, as well as increasing the time to set up the experiment. Therefore, this work aimed to propose two new methods for determining the optimal size of experimental plots, which were applied in experiments with yellow passion fruit in the field, and compare them to the modified maximum curvature method. The maximum curvature method of the modified Vx function uses the equation proposed by Smith and the maximum curvature method of the modified CVx function uses the equation proposed by Thomas. The modified maximum curvature method of the CV(x) function proved to be suitable for estimating the optimal size of plots in experiments with yellow passion fruit. It is recommended to use the optimal plot size of 4 plants per plot for variables related to the fruit, 5 plants per plot for variables related to the pulp and for the production variables of 9 plants per plot.

Innovative Approaches to Camembert Cheese: Optimizing Prebiotics and Coagulation Conditions for Enhanced Quality and Nutrition

The objective of this study is to investigate how different factors, such as lactic acid bacteria, prebiotics (flaxseed powder, watercress seed powder, okra mucilage), and coagulation temperature influence the final quality of curd by conducting three optimization experiments and implementing a structured experimental plan. In the first phase, milk coagulation was assessed at 45 °C with various combinations of lactic acid bacteria (probiotics) and prebiotics (powdered flaxseed and watercress). In the second investigation phase, the effects of lowered probiotic and prebiotic (powdered flaxseed and watercress) concentrations were examined at the coagulation temperature of 38 °C. We investigated the concentration of lactic acid bacteria at 3 mg/mL of milk and the effects of temperature and prebiotics (okra mucilage and flaxseed powder). We observed short milk clotting time (2 s) using the optimized mixture (0.18 mg of probiotics, 1.5 mg of flaxseed powder, and 1.147 mg of watercress powder) per 10 mL of milk. It contrasts with the classical coagulation way optimized at (5.9 and 9.5 s), which were generated at optimal temperatures of 45 and 45.7 °C, respectively. Our new mixture improves the fermentation process of camembert cheese at 38 °C. This cheese had a high flavonoid content, fewer lactic bacteria and molds, a homogeneous texture, and no outer crust, and exceptional sensory attributes such as a creamy and fluid paste. These attributes suggest its potential benefits as a dairy product for individuals with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal conditions.

Application of experimental planning methods for an analytical description of the areas of operability of marine electromechanical systems

The topic of the study is to consider the possibility of using experimental planning methods to mathematically describe areas of performance in relation to marine electromechanical systems. A definition is given and a graphic illustration of the field of operability is provided. It is shown that information about the boundary of the field of operability allows solving the most important tasks of controlling the state of ship electromechanical systems of various functional purposes. Possible ways of solving the problem of constructing a field of efficiency and the difficulties of their practical implementation are given. The method of analytical description of the operability domain is considered, which assumes an independent approximation of each hypersurface that makes up the operability domain. It is shown that for such an approximation it is convenient to use polynomial dependencies, which can be obtained as a result of using experimental planning methods. The main advantages of this approach are considered, including the possibility of solving the problem in the case of a high dimension of the space of primary parameters, in the space of which the area of operability is built. It is noted that in order to obtain a unified analytical description of the field of operability, the properties of logical R-functions can be used, which make it possible to make the transition from logical functions to analytical dependencies. It is proved that polynomial dependencies have the properties of R-functions and can be used in such a transformation. The resulting analytical description of the health area is universal and does not depend on the configuration of the area itself. Unlike the known methods of analytical approximation of the field of operability, it is characterized by an exceptionally low methodological error and allows us to solve with high reliability the problem of parametric synthesis of marine electromechanical systems according to the criterion of the reserve of operability, as well as the tasks of evaluating and predicting their condition during operation. The considered example clearly demonstrated the sequence of solving the problem of analytical description of the field of operability and allowed us to conclude about the complex configuration of this area even for special cases and the simplest electromechanical systems.

A numerical framework for modeling evaporation and combustion of isolated, spherically-symmetric, multi-component fuel droplets

This paper presents a comprehensive numerical framework for simulating the evaporation and combustion of isolated, spherically-symmetric, multi-component fuel droplets. The framework incorporates a detailed description of chemical reactions in the gaseous phase and is capable of modeling pure evaporation, autoignition, and hot-wire ignition scenarios.The transport equations for mass, species, and energy are solved in both the liquid (droplet) and gaseous (surrounding atmosphere) phases. Diffusion in the liquid phase is described using the Stefan–Maxwell theory, while in the gaseous phase, both molecular and thermal diffusion are considered. The model also includes the thermophoretic effect for carbonaceous particles and accounts for gas radiation through various models, ranging from optically-thin approximations to more complex methods like the P1 and discrete ordinate methods. Non-gray radiative effects are handled using the Weighted-Sum-of-Gray-Gases Model (WSGGM). Liquid/gas interface conditions are evaluated by imposing flux continuity of mass and energy, along with thermodynamic equilibrium for species. Deviations from ideal thermodynamic behavior in the liquid droplet are managed by incorporating a suitable activity coefficient or by using a proper cubic equation of state. Additionally, the presence of supporting fibers is modeled using a simplified one-dimensional approach. The transport equations are solved using the method of lines, with spatial discretization performed via the finite difference method on a body-fitted grid. The resulting system of Differential–Algebraic Equations (DAEs) is then solved using a fully-coupled approach.Thanks to its generality in terms of kinetic and thermodynamic descriptions and the reduced computational time, the proposed framework offers significant potential for advancing our understanding of the complex combustion processes of multi-component liquid fuels and for enhancing the planning and execution of experiments involving isolated fuel droplets.

Recent Results and Plans of the NA64 Experiment at the CERN SPS

Recent Results and Plans of the NA64 Experiment at the CERN SPS

Sustainable use of coffee roasting by-products: development of high value-added gummy candies

The sustainable utilization of production wastes in the agri-food sector is an increasing challenge. This work aims to evaluate the applicability of coffee silverskin, the main by-product of coffee roasting, in the formulation of gummy candies. Firstly, the experimental plan envisaged the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from coffee silverskin. The influence of different concentrations of coffee silverskin extract (1%, 2%, and 4%) was then evaluated on chemical, physical, microbiological, structural, and sensory gummy candies characteristics for 120 storage days. Candies formulated without coffee silverskin extract were used as control. The results up to 120 days of storage revealed the higher quality of gummy candies enriched with 1%, 2% and 4% coffee silverskin extract not only for their bioactive content, ranging from 147.9 to 161.1 mg GAE Kg -1 of phenolic compounds, but also for their antioxidant activity, with values at the end of storage of 15.06, 30.25, 31.50 and 28.20 µmol TE g-1 respectively in control and gummy candies enriched with 1%, 2% and 4% coffee silverskin extract. Moreover, all the candies enriched with silverskin coffee extract showed better physical and sensory characteristics compared to the control taste. The results show that the proposed use of silver coffee skin improves and preserves the quality of gummy candies and then be employed as an ingredient to improve the quality of confectionery products.

Rapid Screening of Traditional Rice Cultivars against Drought Using Tolerance Indices of Seedlings

Aim: To screen the traditional cultivars of rice based on the tolerance indices of seedling characteristics. Study Design: The experimental plan used was Complete Randomized Design with 59 treatments (genotypes) and two replications. Place of Study: P.G. Laboratory, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar district, West Bengal, India. Methodology: Seedling was raised in glass in two sets- PEG-mediated drought and normal conditions. Results: All the seedling characters showed highly significant differences among the varieties, different culture conditions as well as interaction between varieties and environment. Most of the cultivars exhibited reduction in number of primary roots per plant, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight. Finally the cultivars were grouped under three categories- tolerant, semi-tolerant and susceptible based on mean tolerance index (MTI). The cultivars having ≥ 90.00, MTI Kashiya binni, Jhagri kartik and Garu Chakua were considered as tolerant. Among those three cultivars, Kashiya binni was found to be highly tolerant to drought as its MTI was ≥ 100.00 (114.96). Subsequently 22 cultivars were classified as semi-tolerant. In conclusion, the tolerance indices of seedling traits and subsequently the MTI can be used for rapid screening of rice genotypes for water stress.

Fasciola hepatica Excretory-Secretory Products (Fh-ES) Either Do Not Affect miRNA Expression Profile in THP-1 Macrophages or the Changes Are Undetectable by a Microarray Technique.

Fasciola hepatica is a liver fluke that resides in the bile ducts of various mammals. The parasitosis leads to economic losses in animal production estimated at USD 3.2 billion annually. It is also considered a zoonosis of great significance and a problem for public health affecting 2.4 million people worldwide. Nevertheless, besides the negative aspects of infestation, the antigens released by the fluke, F. hepatica Excretory-Secretory Products (Fh-ES) contain several immunomodulatory molecules that may be beneficial during the course of type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, or septic shock. This phenomenon is based on the natural abilities of adult F. hepatica to suppress proinflammatory responses. To underline the molecular basis of these mechanisms and determine the role of microRNA (miRNA) in the process, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated THP-1 macrophages were stimulated with Fh-ES, followed by miRNA microarray analyses. Surprisingly, no results indicating changes in the miRNA expression profile were noted (p < 0.05). We discuss potential reasons for these results, which may be due to insufficient sensitivity to detect slight changes in miRNA expression or the possibility that these changes are not regulated by miRNA. Despite the negative data, this work may contribute to the future planning of experiments by other researchers.

Characterization of Robusta Coffee Powder with Addition of Palm Sugar and Vanilla Powder to Improve The Quality of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre)

Bondowoso Robusta Coffee is a type of Robusta coffee that has a distinctive taste and high quality. The distinctive taste and high quality are obtained from the results of harvest management and post-harvest processing in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This research will be carried out by testing the characteristics of Robusta ground coffee with a mixture of palm sugar and vanilla flavoring to improve the quality of Robusta ground coffee. This was done by knowing the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the mixed Robusta ground coffee. The aim of this research is to determine the interaction between roasting level and the composition of palm sugar and vanilla powder on the physiochemical and organoleptic properties of 3 in 1 Robusta Coffee. This research uses an experimental plan arranged factorially with the basic pattern of a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications. This design has two factors, the first factor is the roasting level and the second is the mixture composition. The results of this research show (1) The interaction of Roasting Level and Mixture (palm sugar and vanilla powder) has no significant effect on all observed variables such as water content, Brix content, pH value, and powder bulk density. (2) The effect of the main level of roasting has a very significant effect on the observed variables of rainfall density and an insignificant effect on the variables of air content, Brix content and pH value. (3) The effect of the main mixture has a very significant effect on the observed variables of air content, Brix content and powder bulk density and has no significant effect on the variable pH value.