This paper reports the synthesis and use of a novel metal-organic framework (MOF), named Zr-BADS, within the thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for reverse osmosis (RO) applications. Two types of zirconium-based MOFs, Zr-BADS-1 and Zr-BADS-2, were synthesized via a solvothermal method using bicinchoninic acid disodium salt as a linker and either dimethylformamide or ethanol as solvent, respectively. TFN membranes were prepared by embedding these MOFs within the polyamide thin film supported by a polysulfone support sheet. The specific surface area of Zr-BADS-1 and Zr-BADS-2 was determined to be 396.1 and 278.6 m2/g, respectively, indicating significant surface area conducive to water permeation. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed a uniform distribution of Zr-BADS nanoparticles (NPs) with particle sizes ≤ 100 nm within the TFN membranes. TEM images confirmed the dense packing of NPs within the membranes, influencing their texture and enhancing performance. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of characteristic peaks corresponding to MOFs within the TFN membranes, with changes observed at higher loading ratios. The observed contact angle decreased with increasing MOF loadings, indicating an enhancement in the hydrophilicity. Zr-BADS-1 NPs increased water flux at its optimal loading of 0.3%, and the flux raised to 5.4 L/m2 h bar. Salt rejection slightly decreased at low concentrations but improved at higher loading ratios, indicating the interplay between porosity and charge effects. Zr-BADS-1 outperformed other MOFs in salt rejection and water flux, suggesting it is a remarkable RO membrane filler. This study demonstrates the potential of Zr-BADS MOFs for future membrane applications in the environment.
In Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) the non-linear data projection provided by a one hidden layer Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), trained to recognize phonemes, and has previous experiments to provide feature enhancement substantially increased ASR performance, especially in noise. Previous attempts to apply an analogous approach to speaker identification have not succeeded in improving performance, except by combining MLP processed features with other features. We present test results for the TIMIT database which show that the advantage of MLP preprocessing for open set speaker identification increases with the number of speakers used to train the MLP and that improved identification is obtained as this number increases beyond sixty.
... Show MoreThe aim of this study is to develop a novel framework for managing risks in smart supply chains by enhancing business continuity and resilience against potential disruptions. This research addresses the growing uncertainty in supply chain environments, driven by both natural phenomena-such as pandemics and earthquakes—and human-induced events, including wars, political upheavals, and societal transformations. Recognizing that traditional risk management approaches are insufficient in such dynamic contexts, the study proposes an adaptive framework that integrates proactive and remedial measures for effective risk mitigation. A fuzzy risk matrix is employed to assess and analyze uncertainties, facilitating the identification of disr
... Show MoreThis study provides an empirical and strategic contribution to the revenue management literature by investigating the transition from static cost-plus pricing to a dynamic, elasticity-based framework within state-owned extractive industries (SOEs). While dynamic pricing is extensively studied in flexible, data-rich private markets, its application in structurally rigid SOEs within transitional economies remains a critical research gap. Drawing on primary fiscal and production data from the 2024 fiscal year of the General Company for Mining Industries (SCMI), we developed a mathematical model to determine optimal pricing ( ) based on marginal cost principles and demand elasticity. The findings demonstrate that replacing rigid accounting rout
... Show MoreAn experimental and numerical study has been carried out to investigate the heat transfer by natural convection and radiation in a two dimensional annulus enclosure filled with porous media (glass beads) between two horizontal concentric cylinders. The outer cylinders are of (100, 82 and70mm) outside diameters and the inner cylinder of 27 mm outside diameter with (or without) annular fins attached to it. Under steady state condition; the inner cylinder surface is maintained at a high temperature by applying a uniform heat flux and the outer cylinder surface at a low temperature inside a freezer. The experiments were carried out for an annulus filled with
glass beads at a range of modified Rayleigh number (4.9 ≤ Ra≤ 69), radiation
Modern statistical techniques offer a range of methodologies for modelling time series data, with conditional and unconditional approaches providing complementary insights that enhance overall model accuracy. This article introduced a modified ARIMA model employing conditional and unconditional parameter estimates. The methodology for the new model based on novel methods is provided. The prediction process, one and two steps ahead, is covered in detail, and a novel algorithm is presented. The best model is picked based on various measurement criteria, such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute scaled error (MASE). The suggested model is applied to a monthly petrol sales dataset (Jan
... Show MoreCopper zinc tin sulfide selenide, Cu2 ZnSn(S1−x Se x)4 , absorbers are promising earth-abundant and environmentally benign materials for low-cost photovoltaic applications. This study investigates the structural and optical properties of Cu 2 ZnSn(S1−x Se x)4 nanostructured thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition using melt-quenched targets with selenium compositions x = 0.0–1.0. X-ray diffraction revealed that films with low selenium content remained amorphous, whereas higher selenium incorporation promoted the formation of polycrystalline kesterite–stannite phases with preferred orientations along (112), (200), (220), and (312). The crystallite size increased from 12.3 to 17.9 nm as selenium reached x = 1.0, indicating enha
... Show MorePressure retarded osmosis (PRO) can be considered as one of the methods for utilizing osmotic power, which is a membrane-based technology. Mathematical modeling plays an essential part in the development and optimization of PRO energy-generating systems. In this research, a mathematical model was developed for the hollow fiber module to predict the power density and the permeate water flux theoretically. Sodium chloride solution was employed as the feed and draw solution. Different operating parameters, draw solution concentration (1 and 2 M), the flow rate of draw solution (2, 3, and 4 L/min), and applied hydraulic pressure difference (0 - 90 bar) was used to evaluate the performance of PRO process of a hollow fiber module. The eff
... Show MoreDue to the development that occurs in the technologies of information system many techniques was introduced and played important role in the connection between machines and peoples through internet, also it used to control and monitor of machines, these technologies called cloud computing and Internet of Things. With the replacement of computing resources with manufacturing resources cloud computing named converted into cloud manufacturing.
In this research cloud computing was used in the field of manufacturing to automate the process of selecting G-Code that Computer Numerical Control machine work it, this process was applied by the using of this machine with Radio Frequency Identification and a AWS Cloud services and some of py
... Show MoreIn this work, the effect of atomic ratio on structural and optical properties of SnO2/In2O3 thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition technique under vacuum and annealed at 573K in air has been studied. Atomic ratios from 0 to 100% have been used. X-ray diffraction analysis has been utilized to study the effect of atomic ratios on the phase change using XRD analyzer and the crystalline size and the lattice strain using Williamson-Hall relationship. It has been found that the ratio of 50% has the lowest crystallite size, which corresponds to the highest strain in the lattice. The energy gap has increased as the atomic ratio of indium oxide increased.