Search Results (1,341)

The grinding process of bearing components is a critical step in their manufacturing, as it directly impacts the functional properties of raceways and other critical surfaces. One important failure that arises during the grinding process is the appearance of waviness in the machined surface. This geometrical defect causes vibrations in operation with a consequent impact on power losses, noise and fatigue. The present work proposes an in-line detection system of waviness defects in bearing raceways. For this, the system uses accelerometers installed near the machined part and runs a detection algorithm in a local calculation unit. The results are sent over Ethernet to the central quality control of the line. The embedded algorithm uses the frequency content of the measured signal for predicting the surface quality of the final part. The prediction is performed by learning a non-parametric model describing the correspondence between the surface geometry and the measured vibration content. In order to obtain this model, a calibration process is conducted for each bearing reference, ensuring that the model accounts for the specific geometric and operational characteristics of the parts. By analyzing the correlation between accelerometer signals and harmonics, the algorithm predicts the probability of waviness occurrence. The proposed system has been implemented in a high-precision bearing production line, validating its effectiveness with multiple parts of the same reference. This approach identifies waviness during the machining process without the need for offline tests. This fact represents an improvement in the detection of defects, and it provides higher product quality and reduced operational costs. Full article

The external color of smoked sausages is a critical indicator of quality and uniformity in processing. Commercial colorimeters are unsuitable for high-throughput sorting due to the challenges posed by the sausage’s curved cylindrical surface and the need for an inline application. This study introduces a novel non-contact sensing module (LEDs at 45°, fiber optic collection at 0°) to acquire spectral data (400–700 nm) and derive CIE LAB. First, a handheld prototype validated the accuracy of the sensing module against a benchtop spectrophotometer. It successfully categorized five color grades (‘Over light’, ‘Light’, ‘Standard’, ‘Dark’, and ‘Over dark’) with a clear distribution on the a*-L* diagram. This established acceptable color boundary conditions (44.2 < L* ≤ 61.3, 14.1 < a* < 23.9). Second, three sensing modules were integrated around a conveyor belt at 120° intervals, forming the core of an automated inline sorting system. Blind field tests (n = 150) achieved high sorting accuracies of 95.3–97.3% with an efficient inspection time of less than 2 s per sausage. This work realizes the standardization, digitalization, and automation of food color inspection, demonstrating strong potential for smart manufacturing in the processed meat industry. Full article

Compared to reinforcing concrete with steel bars, rebars—made of fiber-reinforced plastic—have a high potential for resource savings in the construction industry due to their corrosion resistance. For the large-volume market of reinforcement elements, efficient manufacturing processes must be developed to ensure the best possible bond behavior between concrete and rebar. In contrast to established FRP-rebars made with thermosetting materials, the use of a thermoplastic matrix enables surface profiling without severing the edge fibers as well as subsequent bending of the bar. The rebars to be produced in this study are based on the process of reactive thermoplastic pultrusion of continuously glass fiber reinforced aPA6. Their surface must enable a mechanical interlocking between the reinforcement bar and concrete. Concepts for a profiling device have been methodically developed and evaluated. The resulting concept of a double wheel embossing unit with a variable infeed and an infrared preheating section is built as a prototype, implemented in a pultrusion line, and further optimized. For a comprehensive understanding of the embossing process, reinforcement bars are manufactured, characterized, and evaluated under parameter variation according to a statistical experimental plan. The present study demonstrates the relationship between the infeed, preheating temperature, and haul-off speed with respect to the embossing depth, which is equivalent to the rib height. No degradation of the Young’s modulus was observed as a result of the profiling process. Full article

Let G denote a finite group; $\sigma =\{{\sigma }_i\mid i\in I\subseteq \left\{0\right\}\cup \mathbb{N}\}$ be some partition of the set of all primes $\mathbb{P}$, where $0\in I$; $\mathfrak{I}$ be a class of finite ${\sigma }_0$-groups that is closed under extensions, epimorphic images, and subgroups and contains all finite soluble ${\sigma }_0$-groups. We say that a subgroup A of G is ${\sigma }_{\mathfrak{I}}$-subnormal in G if there is a subgroup chain $A=A_0\le A_1\le \cdots \le A_t=G$ such that either $A_{i-1}⊴A_i$, $A_i/{\left(A_{i-1}\right)}_{A_i}\in \mathfrak{I}$, or $A_i/{\left(A_{i-1}\right)}_{A_i}$ is a ${\sigma }_j$-group for some $j\ne 0$. In this paper, we prove that the set ${\mathcal{L}}_{{\sigma }_{\mathfrak{I}}}\left(G\right)$ of all ${\sigma }_{\mathfrak{I}}$-subnormal subgroups of G and some proper subsets of ${\mathcal{L}}_{{\sigma }_{\mathfrak{I}}}\left(G\right)$ form sublattices of the lattice of all subgroups of G. Full article

Background/Objectives: RELiZORB immobilized lipase cartridge (ILC) is a single-use digestive enzyme cartridge that connects in-line with enteral feeding circuits to hydrolyze triglycerides in enteral formulas. It is cleared by the FDA for pediatric and adult use. Limited data have been published regarding the effect of ILC use on growth in children younger than 5 years of age. Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of real-world data extracted from a third-party reimbursement program database. All patients in the program database who initiated ILC use with enteral formula when 1 to 4 years of age between 2019 and 2023 were included. Baseline and follow-up weight, height/length, and body mass index (BMI) data were collected for up to 12 months. Results: A total of 186 patients from 90 clinics in the United States were included. A subset (143 patients) with baseline and follow-up growth measurements was included in the efficacy analysis population; 76% were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Mean weight and BMI z-scores improved significantly (0.63 [p < 0.001] and 0.53 [p = 0.006], respectively) from baseline to 12 months after initiation of ILC use. Significant improvement in the mean weight z-score was observed after 3 months. Among people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) who initiated ILC use when 2 to 4 years of age, those with a BMI ≥ 50th percentile increased from 22% at baseline to 43% after 12 months (p = 0.021). Improvement in weight-for-length was also observed in 1-year-old pwCF. Conclusions: Real-world evidence showed that initiation of ILC use was associated with significant improvements in mean weight and BMI z-scores among young children. Full article

This paper investigates pseudo-symmetric space–times within two interrelated frameworks: vacuum $f\left(R\right)$-gravity and Gray’s seven canonical decomposition subspaces. First, it is established that any conformally flat pseudo-symmetric space–time satisfying the vacuum field equations of $f\left(R\right)$-gravity necessarily corresponds to a perfect fluid. Subsequently, a detailed analysis of Gray’s subspaces reveals the following structural results: In the trivial and $\mathsf{𝒜}$ subspaces, pseudo-symmetric space–times are Ricci-simple and Weyl-harmonic, and thus are necessarily generalized Robertson–Walker space–times. In the $\mathcal{B}$ and $\mathsf{𝒜}\oplus \mathcal{B}$ subspaces, the associated time-like vector field ${\xi }^l$ is shown to be an eigenvector of the Ricci tensor with the eigenvalue $-R/2$. Furthermore, for a perfect fluid pseudo-symmetric space–time obeying $f\left(R\right)$-gravity and belonging to the trivial, $\mathsf{𝒜}$, $\mathcal{B}$, or $\mathsf{𝒜}\oplus \mathcal{B}$ subspaces, the isotropic pressure p and energy density $\sigma$ are proven to be constants. Additionally, it is demonstrated that Gray’s $\mathcal{I}$ subspace reduces to the $\mathcal{B}$ subspace in the pseudo-symmetric setting. Finally, under specific geometric conditions, pseudo-symmetric space–times in the $\mathcal{I}\oplus \mathsf{𝒜}$ and $\mathcal{I}\oplus \mathcal{B}$ subspaces are also shown to admit perfect fluid representations. These results collectively clarify the geometric and physical constraints imposed by pseudo-symmetry within $f\left(R\right)$-gravity and Gray’s classification scheme. Full article

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a pivotal non-destructive analytical technique within the cheese industry, offering rapid and precise insights into the chemical composition and quality attributes of various cheese types. This review explores the evolution of NIR spectral sensors, highlighting key technological advancements and their integration into cheese production processes as well as final products already in markets. In addition, the review discusses challenges such as calibration complexities, the influence of sample heterogeneity and the need for robust data and interpretation models through spectroscopy coupled with AI methods. The future potential of NIR spectral sensors, including real-time in-line monitoring and the development of portable devices for on-site analysis, is also examined. This review aims to provide a critical assessment of current NIR spectral sensors and their impact on the cheese industry, offering insights for researchers and industry professionals aiming to enhance quality control and innovation in cheese production, as well as authenticity and fraud studies. The review concludes that the integration of advanced NIR spectroscopy with AI represents a transformative approach for the cheese industry, enabling more accurate, efficient and sustainable quality assessment practices that can strengthen both production consistency and consumer trust. Full article

Marine aerosol particles influence the climate, and interactions between ocean waves and coral reefs may impact aerosol size distributions in remote locations, such as the Great Barrier Reef. However, quantifying these processes has proven to be challenging. We tested whether marine aerosol size distributions and concentrations differ across four zones: background air outside the lagoon, above the reef crest, within the lagoon, and near the beach of Heron Island, approximately 85 km offshore. Using a modified DJI Matrice 600 hexacopter equipped with a miniaturised optical particle counter and custom inline gas dryer, we measured aerosols from 165 to 3000 nm across 64 drone flights during 16 sampling events in November 2024. Aerosol concentrations showed substantial day-to-day temporal variability, while spatial differences among reef zones were generally minor; on certain days, the maximum difference between background and near-island measurements reached approximately 25%. K-means clustering identified four dominant air mass transport patterns, and Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model analysis indicated that upwind conditions had a strong influence on aerosol loading. Vertical profiles revealed limited variability within the lowest 100 m. Mixing layer height, air parcel travel speed, and water depth along the final 12 h of trajectories were key drivers of aerosol variability. These results demonstrate the potential of drone-based measurements for characterising marine aerosols and provide a foundation for improving climate model representations of natural aerosol processes. Full article

This paper examines an optimal investment–consumption problem in a setting where the financial environment is influenced by both stochastic factors and delayed effects. The investor, endowed with Constant Relative Risk Aversion (CRRA) preferences, allocates wealth between a risk-free asset and a single risky asset. The short rate follows a Vas$\check{\mathrm{i}}$ček-type term structure model, while the risky asset price dynamics are driven by a delayed Heston specification whose variance process evolves according to a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) diffusion. Delayed dependence in the wealth dynamics is incorporated through two auxiliary variables that summarize past wealth trajectories, enabling us to recast the naturally infinite-dimensional delay problem into a finite-dimensional Markovian framework. Using Bellman’s dynamic programming principle, we derive the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) partial differential equation and demonstrate that it generalizes the classical Merton formulation to simultaneously accommodate delay, stochastic interest rates, stochastic volatility, and consumption. Under CRRA utility, we obtain closed-form expressions for the value function and the optimal feedback controls. Numerical illustrations highlight how delay and market parameters impact optimal portfolio allocation and consumption policies. Full article

Large-area metasurfaces were fabricated via a tunable pyramidal interference lithography (PIL) technique, which uses custom-built 2-faced, 3-faced, and 4-faced pyramidal prisms to create metasurfaces with customizable nano- and micro-scale surface feature periodicities. The 2-faced prism produced linear surface relief diffraction gratings, while the 3-faced prism produced metasurfaces with triangular lattices and the 4-faced prism produced metasurfaces with square lattices, all on azobenzene thin films. A double inline prism set-up enabled control over the metasurface feature periodicity, allowing systematic increase in the pattern size. Additional tunability was achieved by placing a prism inline with a lens, allowing precise control over the metasurface feature periodicity. A theoretical model was derived and successfully matched to the experimental results. The resulting metasurfaces were coated with gold and exhibited distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) responses, confirming their functionality. Overall, this work establishes PIL as a cost-effective and highly adaptable metasurface fabrication method for producing customizable periodic metasurfaces for photonic, plasmonic, and sensing applications. Full article

Lithium is of major importance for many areas of technology, especially batteries, and is therefore relevant to both the industrial and private sectors. High-performance, ideally inline-compatible analytics are important for economical and environmentally friendly lithium extraction. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is an established analytical method that has already been used in numerous inline applications. For this study on ⁷Li NMR in flow, a cryogen-free magnet with a variable magnetic field was used, whereby a field strength of 4.7 T was set for the measurements for compatibility reasons. The influences of flow velocity, repetition time, and lithium concentration were investigated in spin echo measurements. This allows for defining limitations and potential fields of application for the measurement setup. In addition, the possibilities of internal pre-polarization were investigated. The results show that the method and setup are well suited for inline flow measurements on ⁷Li and have great potential for expanding the range of applications. Full article

Pipeline infrastructure constitutes the primary transportation system within the oil and gas industry, where operational safety is critically dependent on advanced in-line inspection technologies. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of eddy current testing (ECT) applications for pipeline integrity assessment. The fundamental principles of ECT are first elucidated, followed by a systematic comparative evaluation of five key ECT methodologies: conventional, multi-frequency, remote field, pulsed, and array eddy current techniques. The analysis examines their detection mechanisms, technical specifications, comparative advantages, and current developmental trajectories, with particular emphasis on future technological evolution. Subsequently, integrating global pipeline infrastructure development trends and market requirements, representative designs of pipeline inspection tools are detailed and we review relevant industry applications. Finally, persistent challenges in ECT applications are identified, particularly regarding adaptability to complex operational environments, quantification accuracy for micro-scale defects, and predictive capability for defect progression. This study proposes that future ECT equipment development should prioritize multi-modal integration, miniaturization, and intelligent analysis to enable comprehensive pipeline safety management throughout the entire asset lifecycle. Full article

This work presents a compact refractometric system based on In-Line Digital Holography (ILDH) for the non-invasive characterization of transparent media, encompassing both liquids and high-refractive-index optical glasses. The core of the system is a cost-effective, lensless setup in which a 532 nm laser source and a microscope objective generate a divergent spherical wavefront that illuminates a 10 μm aluminum particle. The resulting diffraction pattern, modulated by samples in the optical path, is recorded by a CMOS sensor. The refractive index of the sample is determined by numerically locating the axial position of the particle-reconstructed image, which directly corresponds to the optical path difference introduced by the test medium. The optimal reconstruction plane is objectively located using an autofocus algorithm based on the Kurtosis metric, which identifies the sharpest image. The system successfully characterizes media across a broad refractive index range from 1.33 to 1.78, yielding linear calibration curves for both liquid and solid samples. The instrument achieves an axial reconstruction resolution of 30 μm and a refractive index precision of ±0.01 RIU. This ILDH approach offers a highly portable, cost-effective, and non-contact solution for refractive index measurement, demonstrating significant potential for industrial quality control and high-throughput point-of-care applications. Full article

Thermal management is rising in importance due to the evolving requirements of electronic devices, namely, compactness and performance. Polymers, particularly thermosets, exhibit low thermal conductivity, so that fillers are required to enhance the performance of thermosets and make them suitable for such applications. So far, various factors have been investigated in order to improve the thermal conductivity of thermosets, mainly based on single-filler systems. Given the variation in the geometry of different filler types, suggestions about the influence of geometry have also been made. However, the impact of the geometry of the filler type is rather unknown. Therefore, this paper investigates the use of copper (Cu) as a filler with high thermal conductivity and examines four different geometry types (three sphere types with different sizes, as well as platelets) in terms of their reaching a higher thermal conductivity in an epoxy matrix. Cu platelets showed the highest thermal conductivity values, even though they also exhibited high anisotropy. To understand their material behavior in more detail, a new method of inline viscosity measurement is further evaluated. This method allows consideration of local flow conditions and is therefore more precise than methods based on complex viscosity. Full article

The research of Prof. Dr. Thomas C. Merigan has spanned almost half a century. It started in 1963 with his interest in interferon (i). He then identified pyran copolymer as a synthetic polyanionic inducer of interferon (ii), and thereafter thiophosphate-substituted polyribonucleotides, i.e., poly r($\overline{\mathrm{s}}$A-$\overline{\mathrm{s}}$U) (iii). He recognized the potential of interferon as a therapeutic agent for virus infections (iv), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) being the first case in point (v). His interest then shifted to the treatment of herpes virus [herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV)] infections (vi) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections (vii), to end up with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections (viii, ix, x). T.C. Merigan’s pioneering work on the treatment of so many pivotal virus infections deserves further in-depth clinical evaluation. Full article