Multi-Objective Optimization of an Assembly Layout Using Nature-Inspired Algorithms and a Digital Human Modeling Tool.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSIn the context of Industry 5.0, our study advances manufacturing factory layout planning by integrating multi-objective optimization with nature-inspired algorithms and a digital human modeling tool. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional planning methods, which often rely on engineers' expertise and inputs from various functions in a company, leading to slow processes and risk of human errors. By focusing the multi-objective optimization on three primary targets, our methodology promotes objective and efficient layout planning, simultaneously considering worker well-being and system performance efficiency. Illustrated through a pedal car assembly station layout case, we demonstrate how layout planning can transition into a transparent, cross-disciplinary, and automated activity. This methodology provides multi-objective decision support, showcasing a significant step forward in manufacturing factory layout design practices.

Rationale: Integrating multi-objective optimization in manufacturing layout planning addresses simultaneous considerations of productivity, worker well-being, and space efficiency, moving beyond traditional, expert-reliant methods that often overlook critical design aspects. Leveraging nature-inspired algorithms and a digital human modeling tool, this study advances a holistic, automated design process in line with Industry 5.0. Purpose: This research demonstrates an innovative approach to manufacturing layout optimization that simultaneously considers worker well-being and system performance. Utilizing the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) alongside a Digital Human Modeling (DHM) tool, the study proposes layouts that equally prioritize ergonomic factors, productivity, and area utilization. Methods: Through a pedal car assembly station case, the study illustrates the transition of layout planning into a transparent, cross-disciplinary, and automated process. This method offers objective decision support, balancing diverse objectives concurrently. Results: The optimization results obtained from the NSGA-II and PSO algorithms represent feasible non-dominated solutions of layout proposals, with the NSGA-II algorithm finding a solution superior in all objectives compared to the expert engineer-designed start solution for the layout. This demonstrates the presented method's capacity to refine layout planning practices significantly. Conclusions: The study validates the effectiveness of combining multi-objective optimization with digital human modeling in manufacturing layout planning, aligning with Industry 5.0's emphasis on human-centric processes. It proves that operational efficiency and worker well-being can be simultaneously considered and presents future potential manufacturing design advancements. This approach underscores the necessity of multi-objective consideration for optimal layout achievement, marking a progressive step in meeting modern manufacturing's complex demands.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Ethanol and Oxyhydrogen Addition on Nanocoated Gasoline Engine.

Climate change, clean air, renewable energy, nontoxic surroundings, and the opportunity to live in a healthy community are just few of the issues that environmental sustainability addresses. To improve environmental health and quality of life, several researchers have turned their attention to alternative energy sources like ethanol and oxyhydrogen. In latest years, significant progress has been made in the development of ethanol and hydrogen as clean energy sources. A higher octane rating is achieved by mixing ethanol with gasoline rather than using regular gasoline. A novel mix of oxyhydrogen, ethanol, and gasoline is ecologically friendly while simultaneously increasing the performance of gasoline engines. In this study, a nanoparticle-coated piston on a low heat rejection gasoline engine fuelled by an ethanol-gasoline mix with oxyhydrogen addition was investigated. It has been evaluated that thermal efficiency improved by up to 25% while fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 28% on a volume basis compared to the baseline engine. Furthermore, the decrease in harmful carbon monoxide reached around 10%, and the reduction in unburned hydrocarbon emissions reached 18%.

Aetiology of cholera in Tamil Nadu: recent observations.

Vibrio cholerae was isolated from 1008 of 3496 stool samples (28.8%) examined in Tamil Nadu State, India, between November 1992 and December 1995. During November and December 1992, 363 of the 370 isolates serotyped (98%) were V. cholerae O139 (Bengal). The epidemic predominantly affected adults (91%; 597/656). Both V. cholerae O1 and O139 serotypes were sometimes isolated in the same locality from different individuals. From January 1993 onwards, the rate of isolation of V. cholerae O139 declined, and in 1995 V. cholerae E1 Tor (serotype O1) was isolated from most of the cases (85.6%; 131/153). V. cholerae E1 Tor has clearly not been replaced by serotype O139, but can survive during inter-epidemic periods and reappear at an opportune moment. The decline of serotype O139 may be due to the development of immunity as a result of repeated exposure.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Salacia oblonga Wall. and Azima tetracantha Lam.

The anti-inflammatory activity of Salacia oblonga rootbark powder and Azima tetracantha leaf powder was assayed in male albino rats using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema (acute inflammation) and cotton pellet granuloma (chronic inflammation) methods. Both the crude drugs were maximally active at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. In the cotton pellet granuloma assay, these drugs were able to suppress the transudative, exudative and proliferative components of chronic inflammation. Furthermore, these drugs were able to lower the lipid peroxide content of exudate and liver, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in the exudate of cotton pellet granuloma. The increased acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and decreased serum albumin in cotton pellet granulomatous rats were normalised after treatment with these drugs. It is likely that these drugs may exert their activity by antiproliferative, antioxidative and lysosomal membrane stabilization.

Trace element analysis of some copper containing herbs.

Siddha system specifies medicinal plants containing various metal constituents for curing ailments. The plants reported as copper containing were subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometic analysis. Among these mangifera indica and coccinia indica were found to contain comparatively higher content of copper while manganese was move in coccinia indica aloe perfoliata, cassia auriculata and Nelumbium nicifera.

Antipyretic activities of some species of andrographis wall.

The antipyretic activities of the alcoholic extracts of three species of Andrographis Wall, were assayed at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight in pyrogenic polysaccharide - induced hyperpyrexia in male albino rats. All the extracts were found to be effective in the inhibition of pyrexia. The maximal antipyretic activity was found with the alcoholic extract of Andrographis alata Nees.

Anti-inflamatory activity of some Indian medicinal plants.

The anti-inflamatory activity of some of the medicinal plants were assayed at a dose of 1000 mg/kg b.wt. in male albino rats using Carrageenin induced rat raw edema. Among the fifteen medicinal plants were found to be highly effective which are discussed in this paper.

Hypoglycemic effect of cotton seed aqueous extract in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rats.

The aqueous extract of cotton seed is able to reduce blood sugar in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rats. A dose of 1000 mg/kg was found to be an effective dose. Cotton seed extract was able to enhance the liver glycogen, like glibenclamid, and was also able to reduce blood cholesterol which was found raised in the diabetic state. Further it was able to normalize the altered level in the liver lipid peroxide content. The role of cotton seed aqueous extract is suggested in the lipid metabolism which is altered during diabetes mellitus.

The anti-inflammatory activity of Enicostemma littorale and Mollugo cerviana.

The anti-inflammatory activity of E. littorale and M. cerviana was assessed by carrageenan-induced inflammation and cotton pellet granuloma method in rats. E. littorale and M. cerviana exerted 54 and 26% anti-inflammatory activity for a dose of 100 mg/100 g body wt, respectively, in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation. In chronic inflammation of cotton pellet granuloma, E. littorale and M. cerviana exerted 30 and 46% anti-inflammatory activity at the above dosage, respectively. The optimal dose for these drugs was determined in carrageenan inflammation. The effect of the alcoholic extract of these drugs on human erythrocyte membrane stabilization and inhibition of cobra venom phospholipase A2 was studied in vitro and the drugs were found to be effective. Further, these drugs were found to inhibit the levels of lipid peroxides, acid phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in the exudate of cotton pellet granuloma. The effects were compared with those of standard anti-inflammatory drug, hydrocortisone. A possible mode of action of these drugs is suggested.

Biochemical modes of action of Cassia occidentalis and Cardiospermum halicacabum in inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory activity of Cassia occidentalis leaf powder and an ethanol extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum aerial parts were assayed in male albino rats using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. C. occidentalis was maximally active at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, while the C. halicacabum extract was maximally effective at a dose of 500 mg/kg. In the cotton pellet granuloma assay, these drugs were able to suppress the transudative, exudative and proliferative components of chronic inflammation. Further, these drugs were able to lower the lipid peroxide content and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and phospholipase A2 activity in the exudate of cotton pellet granuloma. The increased alkaline phosphatase activity and decreased A/G ratio of plasma in cotton pellet granulomatous rats were normalized after treatment with these drugs. C. occidentalis powder and C. halicacabum extract were able to stabilize the human erythrocyte membrane against hypotonicity-induced lysis. It is likely that these drugs may exert their anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of phospholipase A2, resulting in the reduced availability of arachidonic acid, a precursor of prostaglandin biosynthesis, and/or by stabilization of the lysosomal membrane system.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. seed extract on the genital organs of male and female rats.

Following the oral administration of acetone extract of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seeds for 15 days is male rats, total protein concentration was found to be significantly decreased in testes and vas deferens and increased in seminal vesicles and prostate gland. There was a decrease in activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase in all these regions, except that alkaline phosphatase was unchanged in vasa. In female rats, oral administration of the extract for 10 days led to vaginal cornification and oestrus cycle. While moderate doses caused increase in weight of mammary glands, higher doses increased the weight of oviduct, endometrium, myometrium, cervix and vagina also. The results confirm the oestrogenic activity of the seed extract.

Effect of foeniculum vulgare seed extract on mammary glands and oviducts of ovariectomised rats.

The effect of acetone extracts of Foeniculum vulgare Mill., seeds at different dose levels (50/ug, 150/ug and 250/ug/100gm body wt.) on mammary glands and oviducts of castrated rats was investigated. The extract was found to increase nucleic acids and protein concentration as well as the organ weights in both the tissues. The medium and high doses were very effective. The results confirm the estrogenic nature of the seed extract.