Maintenance, a fundamental of reliable operations, has gone through an evolution from reactive to proactive strategies. In this evolution, the technology layer has been added in terms of computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). This paper aims to explore the current status of CMMS in the process industries of a developing country. For this study, data were collected via questionnaire from 62 publicly listed companies along with an analysis of their annual reports. Moreover, six interviews of CMMS consultants were conducted. It was found that 56% of the sampled companies had a CMMS running, while 44% had no such solution. The key performance indicator (KPI) of ‘% replacement asset value’ (%RAV) was further determined, which was found to be 3.74% for companies with CMMS and 5.67% for companies with no CMMS; considering the global benchmark of 2.5%. The challenges to CMMS implementation included unawareness about function of CMMS, erroneous data and weak change management. Even in companies that had CMMS, its utilization was found to be elementary. CMMS end users and consultants can use the findings of this study in enhancing the success of CMMS implementation and utilization.
A novel method was used to transform pure metals to antimicrobial solutions by production of ZnO, Cu 2 O, MgO and TiO 2 nanoparticles using rapid breakdown anodization (RBA) technique. The oxides’ nanoparticles were converted to their acetates by chemical reaction with acetic acid. After synthesize the acetates’ crystals they were dissolved in water to yield aqueous solutions. To evaluate the antibacterial activity of these solutions against pathogenic bacteria their inhibition zones were measured. X ray diffraction (XRD) technique and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were utilized to characterize these oxides. Before transforming to their acetates all mixed synthesized nanoparticles with deionized water did not have antibacterial activities but after transforming process Copper and Zinc acetates’ solutions had inhibition zones. Against S. aureus , S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans the inhibition zones for Copper acetate solution were 21, 19, 22, 22 and 30 mm respectively. For ZnO acetate solution these zones were 26, 25, 0, 0 and 14 mm respectively. There were no antibacterial activities recorded for both Titanium and Magnesium acetates’ solutions.
In the domain of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), the prime focus is laid on the safety of the involved humans. High inertias, velocities and large work envelop, especially of most of the currently used industrial robots, are reasons for the hazards associated with the interaction of humans with robots. Several strategies are being investigated for ensuring safety, that includes light-weight robots (LWR), force-limiting control, start-stop monitoring, speed limiting mode, etc. These approaches often require a range of hardware peripherals to be incorporated within and around the robotic system and/or complete replacement of the involved arrangement. Alternatively, the use of Virtual Reality systems to interact with, otherwise dangerous, robots allow for a contactless interaction. In this paper we present a Virtual Reality based arrangement permitting the interaction with the robot from distance, in a virtually created environment, ensuring human safety. Keeping in view the frequent requirements of changes in robot’s movement plan, the proposed scheme demonstrates the capability of programming these plans in the virtual environment as well. Moreover, this leads to remote/tele-control of the robot which is the future demand considering the social impact of COVID-19.
The current work focused on the possibility of using Chara algae, algae ashes from the Khirisan River in Diyala Governorate, as a biosorbent material to remove copper and lead ions from prepared aqueous solution. A batch biosorption experiments was carried out using Chara alge and its ashes as a biosorbent for metal removal to determined optimum biosorption conditions such as pH, different initial concentration for metal ions, the amount of the absorbent material, contact time of adsorbed algae with metal ions, and temperature. Maximum adsorption uptakes were 93% for lead and 88% for cupper at pH 5,5.5 respectively. Varying initial metal concentrations (from 20 to 80 ppm) and varying amount of biosorbent were investigated. Remove the metal ions with high efficiency depend on the pH, and these removal came in order lead > cupper. Using FT-IR shows that carboxylic group of alginate existing in the algae attaches to the metal ions leading to most of adsorption process. Current study showed that it is possible to use cheap and available in large quantities, Chara algae, which have the ability to remove toxicity from the outside stream of any industry. The practical results showed that the time required for adsorption was short, exothermic nature of biosorption process, best pH and high affinity for metal ions was found.
Present research work deals with refining of car engine used lubricating oil into base oil by solvent extraction using hexane and ethyl acetate. The extracted oil was further diluted by making various solvents to extract oil ratios, to determine the physiochemical parameters such as acid values, viscosity, specific gravity and refractive index. Percent sludge removal (PSR) and percent oil loss (POL) was calculated for determining the performance of the extraction process and quality of re-refined oil. Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) analysis has also been done to study the changes in used and unused car engine lubricating oil.
Health monitoring of structures is gaining the interest of many engineers because of its role in early detection of structural damage. The commonly used damage detection techniques based on vibrations, require data from both pristine and damaged form of the structure to discriminate the damage. In most cases the data from pristine structure are not available. To make the process of damage detection baseline-free, the curvature mode shapes of the damaged structure are fitted with a smoothing polynomial curve. These smoothed curvature mode shapes can be further used as reference data. Among many damage detection methods, modal strain energy method has proven to be more effective as it considers the strain energy of the structure at each mode. However, noise in the acquired response affects the success rate of the said method. To deal with this problem, a modification function is employed to amend the basic form of modal strain energy method. This modified modal strain energy method helped in giving damage indices which are less clouded with noisy peaks. However, it was still not able to detect and localize the damage with good accuracy. In this paper, along with this modified modal strain energy method which is made reference-free, a 2D Bayesian approach is presented. The approach uses the damage indices generated from the modified modal strain energy method and delivers an estimated damage index indicating the damage locations. The approach was tested for different scenarios of damage in terms of their severities, locality and noise levels and the results are compared with the published literature.
A study has been conducted to investigate the compressional behaviour of cemented sand containing limestone powder as filler material. Cylindrical specimens were made by using sand, limestone powder and high early strength cement with specific ratio of water to cement (W/C) and cement to sand (C/S); and varying ratios of limestone powder to cement (L/C). The influences of the filler materials on the compressive strength and setting times of the mix were investigated. Results have indicated that limestone powder as a filler material has relatively less effect on the uniaxial compressive strength, whereas, setting time is highly influenced by the type of filler material.
Autonomous vehicles are not only revolutionizing the automotive industry throughout the world, but also shaping a new form of safe, convenient and homogeneous transport system. However, the acceptance of this innovative technology depends on public perception. This issue of acceptance becomes more complex in developing countries, like Pakistan, due to completely different socioeconomic conditions and values. This study aims at understanding the acceptance of autonomous vehicle technology from the perception of the youth of Pakistan. A questionnaire containing various questions regarding awareness, concerns, anticipated benefits and scenario settings were distributed among 356 students from three universities in Lahore namely University of Central Punjab, University of Engineering and Technology and University of Management and Technology. Results revealed that most of the participants are aware of this technology, although autonomous vehicles are not yet launched in Pakistan. Further, respondents showed serious concerns regarding the idea of travelling in a driverless public vehicle as well as encountering driverless trucks on road, while accepting most of the advantages associated with autonomous vehicles. The results also depicted a sense of distrust in autonomous vehicles used for unattended movement of kids.
Design of a potentially robust autopilot to control lateral motion of a jet aircraft for maintaining the balance, turbulence rejection, handling asymmetric wind pressure, linearization and constraints on the inputs imposes technological and computational challenges for certain control algorithms. Especially, when the multiple states and inputs are strongly coupled to each other, it is imperative to evaluate the performance of most efficient control schemes which not only provide stable and error free response but also fulfill the system requirements with minimum computational cost. This paper demonstrates lateral motion control of a jet aircraft using state feedback controllers, proportional integral derivative controller and model predictive controller to evaluate and compare the control objectives. In a block diagram framework as a function of elementary tuning parameters, all strategies are implemented on a linearized state space model which is furnished by the set of fundamental equations of motion. The effects of disturbance, input and output constraints, sampling time and different controller gains are studied for the underlying multiple input multiple output system. State feedback algorithms provide minimum flexibility to achieve the control objectives in restraining the output within constraint boundaries. Proportional integral derivative controller is more flexible, yet not able to impose the limitation on both the input/output pair. Finally, model predictive controller presents the most efficient features by virtue of response time, robustness, stability, cost and constraints fulfillment with minimal computation and input cost.
A Rotating Giant wheel ride at an amusement Park in Lahore went through an accident and fell on the ground, resulting into three casualties and injuries of two school kids. It was noted that the ride failed just two weeks after its installation. The central shaft which was acting as a cantilever was broken into two pieces. Onsite visual inspection along with hardness measurements was carried out within few days after the accident. It was observed by examining the broken shaft that fatigue failure occurred due to the sudden step made on peripheral of the shaft during manufacturing. This step which was machined to fit the size of bearing caused enough stress concentration to develop on the outer surface of the shaft. It was also noted that the nominal load was exceeding the maximum allowable load. It was shown by detailed calculations that the shaft itself was not able to withstand full load even in the absence of any stress raiser, and the cross-section of the axle was ‘just sufficient’ to withstand the bending force applied on the axle (shaft) when the giant wheel ride was under full load. The shaft was modeled and analyzed later on by using ANSYS workbench to simulate and verify the theoretical calculations.
The demand for fossil fuel increases the development of renewable energy, but due to high prices, people are shifting their attention from non-renewable sources to renewable sources to fulfill their energy demands. This research is based on the conversion of biomass into biogas to fulfill the energy demand most cheaply and effectively. Organic solid waste (OSW) had analyzed when the balloon was burst, it was due to the acidification of acids present in the OSW and resulting in the production of a large amount of carbon dioxide. Other experiments show the production of carbon dioxide by the expansion of the balloon, due to the first stage of the process that is hydrolysis. Later anomalous behavior has been observed, as balloons were sucked into the bottles. Hence creating an anaerobic condition in the bottle, during this stage batches were sometimes kept in the sun to raise the temperature of the culture.
The shrines and their custodians in our society are valued as respect in our society. The department of Aukaf is in charge for managing the waqf properties attached to religious establishments. This paper discusses the institutional and legislative framework surrounding architectural conservation of shrines sited in Lahore along with other powers and urban milieu of these shrines that affect them. The data collected for this research are based on primary and secondary sources. The research findings are that there has been a recent trend of large-scale institutional approach towards reconstructing shrines buildings which generated with the Data Darbar Complex project. Other Grand mosques, along with public amenities and commercial areas are developed on waqf properties to increase revenues and facilitate za'ireen. Older but smaller mosques are mostly demolished in the wake of constructing modern and bigger mosques while shops are created on the peripheries to generate rental income. The future recommendation focuses on the need for incorporating aesthetical values in development projects aimed for places of spirituality. This demands inclusive project management techniques based on modern conservation trends in which the architects play a vital role. Training of the management staff and craftsman ship regarding the conservation techniques is highly needed for the future maintenance of these shrines.
This paper illustrates the deployment of a load scheduling technique for electric vehicles (EVs) charging and discharging by introducing optimal control in a scattered network. We predict that power flow between EVs and utility grid is multi-directional, e.g., EVs can supply power to grid in reverse as the scattered energy source, this phenomenon is called vehicle to grid (V2G). The finest scheduling algorithm is created as a varied discrete program (VDP) constraint. That is NP-hard and enormously complex to compute. Therefore, to overcome this complexity, we have proposed a technique to compute the VDP constraint by altering the basic load profile curve during night hours, and designed a scattered algorithm to reiterate water-filling. This algorithm executes in decentralization manners and effectively schedules EVs charging/discharging in local areas where aggregators are available. Owner’s security enhancement and reduced computational load are the major benefits of our proposed algorithm; the performance of this algorithm is verified by simulations.
A scientific investigation has been performed in this research work on the basis of experimental results and ramification to divulge the advancement of second phase particles and its influence on ferrite and austenite phase transformation in less carbon-manganese added steel. Two steels have been engaged in this competition with and without aluminum addition along with nitrogen. To fade out the already present particles, as received steel under investigation was solution heat treated at 1200°C and then both the steel samples were heat treated at 740°C and 800°C for 10, 15, 30, and 60 sec incubation time in the cyanide added liquid bath furnace and were rapidly cooled from elevated temperature at room temperature in ordinary water. Metallography was performed after etching technique in two etchant solutions to dispose the internal microstructural features with advanced Olympus GX51 optical microscope with polarized light. To further enlarge the important microstructure SEM with tungsten filament was used to capture the micrographs. To distinguish the lower critical AC 1 and upper critical AC 3 temperature for Both the steels were measured with the help of Dilatometer results were plotted by using Origin data software. It was concluded that aluminum combine with nitrogen stimulate the fine aluminum nitride (AlN) particles and these particles were the major source to hinder the grain boundary mobility and consequently phase transformation of alpha and gamma was interrupted in aluminum added steel and it lowers the critical temperatures. Surprisingly there was no such attitude was observed.
The higher energy demand impose burden on country’s economy, specifically for the countries which are import dependent for energy supplies. Pakistan is an emerging economy which is going throw an energy crisis due to sharp rise in demand supply gap. Industry is the largest energy consumer of Pakistan and textile industry is the largest industry of the county in terms of exports and gross domestic product. ISO 50001:2001 energy management system was implemented in Shafi Texcel Ltd, to reduce the energy consumption of the textile unit. Energy performance indicators were identified (3 in the current study) and objectives were formulated to reduce the steam consumption in processes and reduce coal consumption or boiler efficiency enhancement. The targets were met with fairly small payback periods (less than 3 months), which means, that it is convienent to implement energy management system in a short period of time without huge capital expenses. It also ensures that although the renewable energy systems are helpful and must be incorporated but management of already available sources is also essential for sustainable energy future. The savings of Rupees 15.6 Million will achievable annually after an investment cost of 2.2 Million Rupees.
This research work is related to heat of hydration and mechanical properties of the concrete containing silica fume and metakaolin. Total five mixes of concrete were prepared with varying percentages of metakaolin and silica fume. The heat of hydration, tensile strength, compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete that contain silica fume and metakaolin were determined by testing cylinders, beams and cubes. There was replacement of silica fume and metakaolin as 10% and 0-15% respectively in all mixes except control mix. The rise of temperature due to heat of hydration in concrete was calculated by using semi adiabatic approach. The strength of concrete with silica fume and metakaolin increases with curing age as compared to control mix. It was observed that when quantity of metakaolin is increased from 0-10% in silica fume concrete, the temperature rise of concrete was reduced. It was also perceived that further increase in metakaolin i.e. 15% in silica fume concrete results in reduction of strength. Therefore, it can be inferred for the study that silica fume concrete with metakaolin can be used in colder areas where early age strength is required and in mass concrete construction where lower temperature is needed.
Social Realism, an artistic movement introduced in the second quarter of the twentieth century, influenced an entire generation of artists all over the world. It explores the themes ranging from poverty to anti-state demonstrations, and from depictions against imperialism to class inequality, gender oppression and social injustice. Elements of social realism are not surprising to encounter in the Pakistani art world, considering the ideals of the style and the turbulent history of the country since its independence in 1947. Pakistani artists have always been sensitive to the social and political issues of the country, which have somewhat become fragments of its identity, especially as ascertained by the western gaze. Women’s persecution and social exclusion is one such subject that has become an identifier for Pakistan, although a human development report of the United Nations recognizes the country having better gender equality than neighboring India. Nevertheless, women oppression is also a theme that has often been explored by the profound Pakistani artists, using diverse approaches and media . The aim of this paper is to show how artistic works produced by different Pakistani artists are sometimes metaphorically, formalistically and symbolically connected in their concepts, drawing on the social realistic subject of gender oppression. The paper begins with briefly introducing the contemporary art of Pakistan and its diverse focuses. Subsequently, it juxtaposes two artistic works, produced decades apart and apparently using disparate forms: poetry and visual art. The poem titled “Mere dard ko jo zuban miley” (1972) by modern revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz (d. 1984), and the digital art series titled “The Veil” (2004) by contemporary artist Rashid Rana (b. 1968), are compared for this purpose. The objective is to demonstrate that although both these works appear distinct, in time and nature, yet they are covertly united by their theme, that is, of personifying subjugated women, and their conceptual frameworks. The paper formally analyzes both works; deconstruct their structures, meanings and connotations, and ultimately establishes an ekphrastic relationship between the two.
Results are reported from a series of hydraulic tests designed to capture the response of soils subjected to simultaneous axial compression and upward seepage flow. An internally stable soil could be characterized by the development of heave at very high hydraulic pressures, while an unstable soil suffered from suffusion at relatively smaller hydraulic pressures. At the onset of seepage failure, the local porosity of critical zone in soil increased, while hydraulic gradients and associated effective stresses decreased. During static tests, seepage induced heave and composite heave-piping failures evolved in dense uniform fine gravels and sands, respectively, and suffusion in gap-graded sand-gravel mixtures. Under cyclic loading, the uniform soils reproduced similar hydraulic responses albeit at relatively smaller applied hydraulic pressures and larger local hydraulic gradients than static tests. The gap-graded soil exhibited premature suffusion that became excessive at higher cyclic frequencies. Cyclic loading induced agitation and transient pore pressure deteriorated the stable constriction network of soil, thereby allowing residual fines to escape from pore spaces and causing internal instability. The instability potential of tested soils could be quantified by comparing the pre- and post-test particle size distribution analyses. Results are compared with the assessments of various existing criteria for internal stability and recommendations are made for possible practical implications.
Curves of the Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency are one of the most important engineering hydrology topics useful in water resources designs. It's created in desert climate of Najaf catchment harnessing a new programming method of the rapid artificial neural network, which differ from the old network and do not require an important criterion in the conducting of the normalization adjustment executing in the old style in the same field. The ANN outputs, from its intensity in millimeter / hour (mm / hr) unit for various periods in minutes (min), is obtained for a different frequency of the unit of the year. Its results were verified and the differences between them and the actual results were highly acceptable. The relationship between intensity (mm / hr) and duration (min) was found because of its importance employing the inverse logarithm of the fifth scale standard by performing Matlab version 2018a. The relationship between the frequency (year) and the duration (min) was also extracted recruiting the logarithm of the level v criterion. It has been discovered that the available data corresponds to the Lognormal Type III distribution and from this it is possible to calculate the periods of return.
The aim of the study was to compare reanalysis wind data with mast measured data at Hawks Bay, Karachi, which is in the coastal region of Pakistan. MERRA and MERRA-2 reanalysis datasets, assimilated by NASA global data assimilation system, is used for this study. The comparison between wind data has been made for 10 m, 50 m and 80 m heights and on the daily and hourly basis. Statistical parameters that have been used for this study are; correlation coefficient, mean bias error, standard deviation of error and root mean square error. MERRA-2 data shows better results for wind speed at 10 m and for wind direction at 80 m in terms of statistical parameters and correlation coefficient. MERRA-2 gives best correlation coefficients for wind speed which are 0.70 and 0.91 for hourly and daily respectively at 10 m whereas correlation coefficients for wind direction are 0.66 and 0.76 for hourly and daily respectively at 80 m. In Pakistan, the wind energy industry is in developing phases, the current work will contribute towards wind energy utilization in Pakistan.
