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The purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient termination control strategy of air-vented dryer in term of energy saving, improving smoothness and reducing microscopic damage of fiber.

A simple, low cost termination control strategy is developed by testing the instantaneous humidity of exhaust air and then deducing the drying degree of fabric in process. The practicability evaluation of this novel strategy was investigated by using both experimental and mathematical approaches. The effect of termination control strategy on drying efficiency and fabric apparent properties were also discussed.

Termination control strategy significantly affects drying time, energy consumption, smoothness and microscopic of fiber. Specially, a novel termination control strategy that the combination of equilibrium moisture content of fabric in ambient environment and relative humidity of exhaust air in exhaust duct is workable and can save 25.2 percent of energy consumption, 26.7 percent of the drying time and improve 0.7 grade of the appearance smoothness, as well as significantly reduce the microscopic damage of fiber compare to the original control strategy of dryer. This indicates possible ways to minimize drying energy consumption and dryer damage by reducing unnecessary migrate out of the water from the clothes.

The paper is helpful in not only the development of new drying product but also the optimization of appearance smoothness of fabric after drying and reduce the microscopic damage of fiber.

A novel termination control strategy of dryer is applied to improve drying efficiency of dryer and reduce fabric damage.

Over the past decades, there has been a rising trend in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in Malaysia. Consequently, functional food is gaining interest amongst health-conscious consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the functional potential of cookie enhanced with Strobilanthes crispus (SC) and to evaluate its physicochemical and organoleptic properties.

Sensory evaluation was carried out using nine-point hedonic and line scales and the ranking test amongst consumer panels (n = 150) to evaluate control, 2, 4 and 6% SC cookies. Preferred formulation and control cookies were then subjected to chemical (moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, calcium, sodium and potassium contents) and physical (texture profile and water activity [Aw]) analyses.

There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in terms of overall acceptability and ranking scores between control and 2% SC cookies upon gender discrimination. Results indicated that incorporation of 2% SC into cookie caused significant enhancement (p < 0.05) of moisture, fat, ash, calcium and potassium contents but did not cause a significant effect on hardness, although loss of crispiness was observed after two weeks of storage at room temperature. This study showed that the 2% SC cookie did not diminish consumers' acceptance while increasing potassium content. Most notably, it can be declared as a source of calcium.

This original research features the incorporation of medicinal plant SC in the development of novel functional cookie and the results constitute unique findings pertaining to its nutritional contents. Remarkably, the findings of this research have contributed knowledge to existing literature as well as benefits food manufacturers in creating nutritious functional cookie to better meet the needs and expectations of consumers, healthcare providers, governmental organisations and consumer advocacy groups while maintaining health benefits without compromising consumers' acceptance.

The paper aims to propose a rate‐dependent model of structural concrete in combination with the kinematics of condensed water.

First, the paper proposes the coupling model of water versus cracked concrete with a mathematical completeness of equilibrium and deformational compatibility. The proposed model deals with anisotropy of structural performance and of permeability, which is a particular issue of concrete caused by cracks. The governing equation for saturated concrete in this study is based on Biot's theory that deals with particle assembly as a two‐phase composite. Second, the paper shows the possible reduction of the fatigue life of real‐scale bridge RC decks owing to the water residing in structural cracks under moving wheel‐type loading.

The paper shows that the existence of water possibly has an influence on the rate‐dependency of structural performance. The comparison of transition of pore pressure and principal strain indicates that damage to the concrete skeleton is accelerated by internal stress caused by high pore pressure. It suggests that the existence of water can reduce the fatigue life of bridge decks, especially when the upper layer is saturated.

This paper clarifies the effect of pore water on structural concrete by using numerical model considering kinematics of water.

Discusses the problems associated with the staining and discoloration of stone used in building projects, based on the experience of experts at Messrs Sandbergs, Consulting Engineers. Outlines the difference between staining and discoloration. Shows how marble, limestone, granite and sandstone are affected by discoloration, and continues by describing other problems unrelated to stone type – quarry problems, cutting and finishing, packing, transportation and storage, construction design and contamination. Details a variety of methods used to determine stain type and emphasizes the importance of obtaining specialist advice in dealing with the problem.

The purpose of this research is to highlight issues relating to binder migration in traditional lime mortars and the potential consequences of this phenomenon. The paper focuses on traditional mass masonry construction and will be of special interest to those surveying, maintaining and repairing historic ruinous structures and heavily exposed masonry bridges.

The paper draws on literature pertaining to the repair of traditional mass masonry structures and the somewhat limited science of binder dissolution and migration in saturated conditions. The paper also draws on the author's practical and academic knowledge of writing specifications for the repair of mass masonry structures and utilises examples of binder migration from several case study buildings.

The degree to which binder migration in traditional mortars occurs is little understood. It is, however, evident that migration of the binder occurs when saturated conditions are present and is exacerbated by prolonged moisture ingress. The effect of binder migration on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures is also little understood and requires greater attention. In addition, the nature of the repair mortars specified and the degree to which these materials have set will have a bearing on the potential for binder migration.

An assessment of binder migration in traditional lime mortars and its effect on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures has never previously been undertaken. This paper is the first to highlight the problem.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different infiltration heads on soil water movement using a free infiltration test for small-diameter tube outflow furrow irrigation under mulch film.

The test consisted of small-diameter tube outflow furrow irrigation under mulch film with three different infiltration heads (3, 4 and 5 cm) and furrow drip irrigation under mulch film using an infiltration head of 4 cm (CK).

During irrigation, the accumulated infiltration and migration distance of the wetting front increased with time. During the same infiltration time, both the accumulated infiltration and horizontal migration distance of the wetting front increased with the larger infiltration head, whereas the vertical migration distance of the wetting front gradually decreased. With increasing distance from the furrow center, soil moisture content declined, but the uniformity of its distribution increased as the infiltration head increased.

This study can provide scientific basis for the use of small-diameter tube outflow furrow irrigation under mulch film.

The phenomenon of heat and moisture transport through porous textile media is a natural problem encountered in real life and has been studied over years by many researchers. However, since the flow rate of moisture diffusing through a clothing fabric is too small to be measured directly, the measurement is usually indirect and the interaction between thermal and moisture transport is not considered.

A mathematical model was introduced in this study to describe the moisture migration and thermal transport through porous textile materials to evaluate the thermal clothing comfort and the interaction between heat and moisture transportation. Heat and mass transportation parameters and the distribution of moisture and temperature within porous textiles are mathematically derived based on the energy and moisture conservation equations during the transportation. In addition, an experimental principle is established to simultaneously measure four moisture and thermal coefficients introduced in this study.

Mesquite pods offer a high nutritional content; A flour can be produced from them; nevertheless, the moisture content makes the milling process difficult. Then, before the milling operation a drying process must be implemented, but drying technology must be studied in order to characterise the process and identify the effect of drying temperature on the magnitude of drying rate.

Prosopis Laevigata pods were collected in Oaxaca (Southern of Mexico) and they were dried. Three stages of maturity were identified and pods in the stage three of maturity were dried by forced convection. The internal structure of the pods was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pods were dried in a tunnel dryer at 40, 50, 60 and 70° C, 10% relative humidity and air velocity of 2.6 m/s. From experimental data, a lumped analysis was conducted for drying.

We found that the internal microstructure of this material is a limiting factor for moisture migration. In order to reduce the moisture content in the pods, a minimum air temperature of 60° C must be applied. The characteristic drying curve shows a good agreement with the experimental drying kinetics. The nutritional composition (carbohydrates, sugar and protein) of pods reveals important applications for the food industry.

The mesquite pods are important ethnic foods. In order to obtain flour, the drying of pods is mandatory. Drying must be applied in stage three of maturity which can be identified based on color changes and moisture content. The moisture content affects the performance of milling operation, then a minimum drying temperature of 60° C and low relative humidity must be applied. SEM images show the complex microstructure of the pods which hinders the moisture diffusion. The drying characteristic curve was deduced for the first time; it helps to understand the drying behavior of pods. The chemical composition of mesquite pods reveals interesting applications for the food industry. The methodology for drying is useful for researchers and producers.

Mezquite pods is an interesting ethnic food for people with celiac disease. This is the first time a research paper describes the drying process at detail. The SEM images, the convective drying operation and the characteristic curve are presented for the first time. The information will be useful for the industry and academia.

The paper describes two well‐known and occasionally confused mechanisms for degradation of electronic circuitry. Intended as a tutorial for individuals working in electronic packaging who have limited background in materials and little experience with these mechanisms, the paper defines and describes the two latent shorting phenomena. Major papers and conferences dealing with the phenomena are cited. Electrolytic or electrochemical shorting is an electrical field‐induced mechanism that can destroy the integrity of modern, densely packed circuits operated in the presence of moisture and ionic contaminants. Examples of copper migration to form electroplated shorts in both thick film hybrid multilayer and printed circuit multilayer boards are discussed, and common features to both systems are outlined. Related mechanisms that may occur with the simple electrochemical (metal plating) mechanisms to produce a broad array of electrical isolation breakdowns are also described. The closing of this part of the paper is a brief review of the Sarnoff‐developed RCA/GE multilayer copper materials system. By design this system solves the problems raised regarding thick film copper multilayer latent failure mechanisms. The discussion of whisker growth is limited to proper whiskers, including those that grow without the application of external stress, squeeze whiskers, and whiskers that result from classic electromigration. All of these grow from solid sources in contact with the whisker. The whisker growth direction is not electrical field related. Identification is made of Sn, Cd, Sb and Zn as the materials classically found to grow whiskers at room temperature. Avoiding the use of electroplated films of Cd, Sb and Zn in close proximity to electronic circuitry is encouraged, and the modern requirements that Sn films be used only after melting, or be alloyed with lead, and not on brass substrates are discussed. In more recent literature indium alloys have been identified as room temperature whisker growth systems. Finally, mechanical design to eliminate squeeze whisker shorting that can result from fasteners in contact with the above and other metals is briefly treated.

It is of great significance to study the influence of subgrade filling on permafrost temperature field in permafrost area for the smooth construction and safe operation of railway.

The paper builds up the model for the hydrothermal coupling calculation of permafrost using finite element software COMSOL to study how permafrost temperature field changes in the short term after subgrade filling, on which basis it proposes the method of calculation for the concave distortion of freezing front in the subgrade-covered area.

The results show that the freezing front below the subgrade center sinks due to the thermal effect of subgrade filling, which will trigger hydrothermal erosion in case of sufficient moisture inflows, leading to the thawing settlement or the cracking of the subgrade, etc. The heat output of soil will be hindered the most in case of July filling, in which case the sinking and the distortion of the freezing front is found to be the most severe, which the recovery of the permafrost temperature field, the slowest, constituting the most unfavorable working condition. The concave distortion of the freezing front in the subgrade area increases with the increase in temperature difference between the filler and ground surface, the subgrade height, the subgrade width and the volumetric thermal capacity of filler, while decreases with the increase of the thermal conductivity of filler. Therefore, the filler chose for engineering project shall be of small volumetric thermal capacity, low initial temperature and high thermal conductivity whenever possible.

The concave distortion of the freezing front under different working conditions at different times after filling can be calculated using the method proposed.