Evaluation of the quality of local butters: A new approach based on Raman spectroscopy and supported by the classical pycnometer method

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-122
Author(s):  
Stefan-Marian Iordache ◽  
Eduard Gatin ◽  
Ana-Maria Iordache ◽  
Catalin Luculescu
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Polymorphic Transition ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Isomer Content ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Density Values ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
Analytical Tools

In this study, the quality of the local Romanian butters was investigated using the classical pycnometer and optic microscopy methods, combined with Raman spectroscopy. We used a pool of 10 samples with different characteristics, and analyzed them by the three aforementioned methods. Pycnometric measurements showed a direct correlation between the fat content and the density values of the samples. Raman spectroscopy validated the results from the pycnometric measurements and the optical microscopy and indicated several other properties, such as protein content, hydration, saturation level of the polycarbonate chains, as well as the total cis isomer content and the type of arrangement preferred by the aliphatic chains (polymorphic transition). The methods employed in the present study have a strong potential to become analytical tools for the food industry and food safety agencies in order to assess the quality of butters and margarines, in a fast and cost-effective manner.

scholarly journals Quality of Experience in Cyber-Physical Social Systems Based on Reinforcement Learning and Game Theory

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirini Tsiropoulou ◽  
George Kousis ◽  
Athina Thanou ◽  
Ioanna Lykourentzou ◽  
Symeon Papavassiliou
Keyword(s):  
Game Theory ◽  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Quality Of Experience ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Operational Effectiveness ◽  
Effective Manner

This paper addresses the problem of museum visitors’ Quality of Experience (QoE) optimization by viewing and treating the museum environment as a cyber-physical social system. To achieve this goal, we harness visitors’ internal ability to intelligently sense their environment and make choices that improve their QoE in terms of which the museum touring option is the best for them and how much time to spend on their visit. We model the museum setting as a distributed non-cooperative game where visitors selfishly maximize their own QoE. In this setting, we formulate the problem of Recommendation Selection and Visiting Time Management (RSVTM) and propose a two-stage distributed algorithm based on game theory and reinforcement learning, which learns from visitor behavior to make on-the-fly recommendation selections that maximize visitor QoE. The proposed framework enables autonomic visitor-centric management in a personalized manner and enables visitors themselves to decide on the best visiting strategies. Experimental results evaluating the performance of the proposed RSVTM algorithm under realistic simulation conditions indicate the high operational effectiveness and superior performance when compared to other recommendation approaches. Our results constitute a practical alternative for museums and exhibition spaces meant to enhance visitor QoE in a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Improving Quality of Experience of Subscribers through Post Deployment Network Planning in UMTS Cellular Networks

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Samir Kumar Sadhukhan ◽  
Swarup Mandal
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
Cellular Network ◽  
Quality Of Experience ◽  
Service Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Network Service ◽  
Heuristic Techniques ◽  
Effective Manner

It is an established fact that cost of churning is a common concern for being profitable in the cellular network service provider’s space. Service providers can view this problem as a service management problem and can have a solution to enhance the stickiness of subscribers by managing the quality of user experience. Quality of Experience (QoE) is important in contrast to Quality of Service (QoS). Three basic components of service management are stage, prop, and user experience. In this cellular network service context, network infrastructure acts as prop. Prop needs to be flexible to enable the personalization in providing the service. In reality the major challenge for a service provider is keep the fitment between prop and the dynamic changes in subscriber profile in a cost effective manner. To define the problem more precisely, the authors take the conventional UMTS cellular network. Here, operators have considered single-homing of RNCs to MSCs/SGSNs (i.e., many-to-one mapping) with an objective to generate service at lower cost over a fixed period of time. However, a single-homing network does not remain cost-effective and flexible anymore when subscribers later begin to show specific inter-MSC/SGSN mobility patterns over time. This necessitates post-deployment topological extension of the network in which some specific RNCs are connected to two MSCs/SGSNs via direct links resulting in a more complex many-to-two mapping structure in parts of the network. The authors formulate the scenario as a combinatorial optimization problem and solve the NP-Complete problem using three meta-heuristic techniques, namely Simulated Annealing (SA), Tabu search (TS), and Ant colony optimization (ACO). They then compare these techniques with a novel optimal heuristic search method that the authors propose typically to solve the problem. The comparative results reveal that the search-based method is more efficient than meta-heuristic techniques in finding optimal solutions quickly.

Real-Time Process Quality Monitoring Using Wireless Sensor-Embedded Rotary Tools for Fastening Operations

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak T. Mohan ◽  
Jeffrey Birt ◽  
Can Saygin ◽  
Jaganathan Sarangapani
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Lead Time ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Base Station ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Optical Encoder ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Rotary Type

Fastening operations are extensively used in the aerospace industry and constitute for more than a quarter of the total cost. Inspection of fasteners is another factor that adds cost and complexity to the overall process. Inspection is usually carried out on a sampling-basis as a stand-alone process after the fastening process is completed. Lack of capability to inspect all fasteners in a cost effective manner and the need to remove non-value added activities, such as inspection by itself, in order to reduce the manufacturing lead time have been the motivation behind this study. This paper presents a novel diagnostics scheme based on Mahalanobis-Taguchi System (MTS) for monitoring the quality of rotary-type fastening operations in real-time. This approach encompasses (1) integrating a torque sensor, a pressure sensor, and an optical encoder on a hand-held rotary-type fastening tool; (2) obtaining process parameters via the embedded sensors and generating process signatures in real-time; and (3) detecting anomalies on the tool using a wireless mote that communicates the decision with a base station. The anomalies investigated in this study are the grip length variations as under grip and normal grip, and presence of re-used fasteners. The proposed scheme has been implemented on prototype rotary tool for bolt-nut type of fasteners and tested under a variety of experimental settings. The experimental results have shown that the proposed approach is successful, with an accuracy of over 95% in detecting grip lengths of fasteners in real-time during the process.

Efficacy of slow-release system for improving the quality of water in streams affected by mining activities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eung Seok Lee ◽  
Ryan Wolbert
Keyword(s):  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Narrow Channels ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Cost Effective Approach ◽  
Effective Manner

<p>Acid mine drainage (AMD) is considered as one of the most prevalent environmental problems worldwide and remediation of AMD-affected streams remains a major challenge due to the large affected areas, large volume of polluted water, poor accessibility, and lack of financial supports. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been widely investigated as potential remedial options for contaminated water bodies of variety of settings, such as groundwater and waste discharges. This study presents a novel cost-effective approach for utilizing AOPs on improving quality of AMD-affected streams. Slow-release cylinders and pellets were created using polymeric binder and reagent salts that release strong oxidant and alkalinity upon dissolution in water. Results of column tests demonstrated that release durations were over 29 days and up to 100% iron removal was achieved within 20 minutes. Field-scale slow-release forms were manufactured and applied to an AMD site in southeast Ohio, USA for a 29-day demonstration study. Narrow channels were constructed for installation of slow-release forms and characterization of quality and flow of mine seeps and AMD stream during low subsurface flow periods. Results of field investigations suggest that the slow-release forms can be used to rapidly remove metals from AMD, as well as improve water parameters such as pH and minimize ecological impacts of remediation within the system in cost-effective manner.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals An Improved In Vitro Pyrogen Test To Detect The Presence of Endotoxin Containing Bacteria Using Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate Assay From Pharmaceutical Raw Product

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-79
Author(s):  
Tanvir Bashar ◽  
Khondokar Mahzebin Shurovi ◽  
Sanjida Dilshad
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Drug Preparation ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Key Word ◽  
Pseudomonas Species ◽  
Lal Assay

Most of the environmental organism possess endotoxin which presence indicates the organisms are much lethal and for the purposes bacteriological quality of pharmaceutical raw products is much important. In these current study, 2 raw materials out of 10 were found to containing pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas species in the culture medium, that indicates the raw materials were contaminated with the deadly organism. These two raw materials checked for the presence of Endotoxin and both provided positive gel clot by Limulas amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Quality maintenance and assurance is the essential need of Drug preparation in pharmaceutical sector. The result ensure that Pharmaceutical industry should need to follow GMP and HACCP to minimize the contamination for improving the biological safety of the product in a cost-effective manner. Key Word: Limulas amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay, Gram negative bacteria, endotoxin. doi:10.3329/sjps.v1i1.1812    S. J. Pharm. Sci. 1(1&2): 76-79

scholarly journals Does arthroscopic subacromial decompression improve quality of life

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
U Butt ◽  
A Whiteman ◽  
J Wilson ◽  
E Paul ◽  
B Roy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Subacromial Decompression ◽  
Oxford Shoulder Score ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression ◽  
Shoulder Score

Introduction There has been a significant rise in the volume of subacromial decompression surgery performed in the UK. This study aimed to determine whether arthroscopic subacromial decompression improves health related quality of life in a cost effective manner. Methods Patients undergoing arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery for impingement were enrolled between 2012 and 2014. The Oxford shoulder score and the EQ-5D™ instruments were completed prior to and following surgery. A cost–utility analysis was performed. Results Eighty-three patients were eligible for the study with a mean follow-up duration of 15 months (range: 4–27 months). The mean Oxford shoulder score improved by 13 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11–15 points). The mean health utility gain extrapolated from the EQ-5D™ questionnaire improved by 0.23 (95% CI: 0.16–0.30), translating to a minimum cost per QALY of £5,683. Conclusions Subacromial decompression leads to significant improvement in function and quality of life in a cost effective manner. This provides justification for its ongoing practice by appropriately trained shoulder surgeons in correctly selected patients.

scholarly journals A Quantitative Research on The Effectiveness of The Implementation of Supply Chain Management, Logistics & Marketing Function - The Greek Paradigm

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Chiadikobi Nwaubani ◽  
Artemis Tsianta ◽  
Magdalini Zelka
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Trade Flows ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Marketing Function ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Geographical Position ◽  
Quality Of Products

In today's era of high competition and globalisation, it is an indisputable fact that customers are more demanding not only in the quality of products but also on the services provided. Consequently, the pressure on companies to discover new ways to create and provide quality to their customers has increased much more. More specifically, customer service has become a key tool for diversification, as culture and customer demands are constantly increasing. Greece stands on a strategic crossroad for the development of transportation in the greater region of Europe, Asia and Africa. Its geographical position renders it highly attractive for investments in logistics and transport to take advantage of these increasing trade flows in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In this paper, we carried out a quantitative research in Greece using a questionnaire to analyse the importance and effectiveness of the application of logistics in businesses with regard to customer service, which serve as a critical source of sustainable competitive advantage. By applying this method, a business will have its customers satisfied, thereby giving them the motivation to remain loyal and faithful to their purchasing practices within the company.

Criteria for Prehospital Air Medical Transport: Non-trauma and Pediatric Considerations

1994 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Medical Technology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Medical Patients ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Medical Transport ◽  
Health Care Crisis

The proliferation of air medical transport in the 1980s and 1990s has been accompanied by minimal investigation into the appropriateness of transport. A strong foundation has been developed regarding adult trauma. However, important issues in pediatric and general medical patients have not been addressed. The health care crisis in America mandates air medical transport systems to provide appropriate access to medical technology and resources in a cost-effective manner while maintaining quality of care. We must identify the patients whose outcomes will benefit from air medical transport.

scholarly journals Carnivore occurrence: do interview-based surveys produce unreliable results?

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Caruso ◽  
E. Luengos Vidal ◽  
M. Guerisoli ◽  
M. Lucherini
Keyword(s):  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Local People ◽  
Wildlife Ecology ◽  
Cost Effective Approach ◽  
Elusive Species ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
High Degree

AbstractInterviews with local people have been widely used by biologists as a cost-effective approach to studying certain topics in wildlife ecology and conservation. However, doubts still exist about the validity and quality of the information gathered, especially in studies targeting cryptic or elusive species, such as carnivores. We assessed the reliability of interviews (n = 155) in detecting the presence of three species of carnivores with different characteristics, by comparing interview results with data obtained through camera trapping surveys at 52 sites in central Argentina. The degree of concordance between methods was low for Geoffroy's cat Leopardus geoffroyi and especially for the puma Puma concolor. However, Geoffroy's cats were detected more frequently by camera traps than interviews, whereas the opposite was true for pumas. For the pampas fox Pseudalopex gymnocercus, a less elusive species, we observed a high degree of concordance and a similar probability of occurrence between methods. Our results indicate that data obtained by interviewing local inhabitants should be used with caution because the information about species presence provided by local people may be inaccurate and biased.

scholarly journals Development of an Automatic Image Cropping and Feature Extraction System for Real-Time Warping Monitoring in 3D Printing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiarui Xie
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Time Warping ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
System A ◽  
Effective Manner

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is an additive manufacturing technology that can produce complicated structures in a simple-to-use and cost-effective manner. Although promising, the technology is prone to defects, e.g. warping, compromising the quality of the manufactured component. To avoid the adverse effects caused by warping, this thesis utilizes deep-learning algorithms to develop a warping detection system using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). To create such a system, a real-time data acquisition and analysis pipeline is laid out. The system is responsible for capturing a snapshot of the print layer-bylayer and simultaneously extracting the corners of the component. The extracted region-of-interest is then passed through a CNN outputting the probability of a corner being warped. If a warp is detected, a signal is sent to pause the print, thereby creating a closed-loop monitoring system. The underlying model is tested on a real-time manufacturing environment yielding a mean accuracy of 99.21%.

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