The properties of powder metallurgy products are related to their densities. In the present work, we demonstrate a method to apply artificial neural networks (ANNs) trained on experimental data to predict the bulk density of barium titanates. The density is modeled as a function of pressure, press rate, heating rate, sintering temperature, and soaking time using the ANN method. The model predictions with the training and testing data result in a high coefficient of correlation (R2 = 0.95 and Pearson’s r = 0.97) and low average error. Moreover, a graphical user interface for the model is developed on the basis of the transformed weights of the optimally trained model. It facilitates the prediction of an infinite combination of process parameters with reasonable accuracy. Sensitivity analysis performed on the ANN model aids the identification of the impact of process parameters on the density of barium titanates.

This research reports for the successful consolidation of Al2O3 powder with retained ultra-fine structure using MPC and sintering. Measurements in the consolidated Al2O3 bulk indicated that hardness, fracture toughenss, and breakdown voltage have been much improved relative to the conventional polycrystalline materials. Finally, optimization of the compaction parameters and sintering conditions will lead to the consolidation of Al2O3 nanopowder with higher density and even further enhanced mechanical properties.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of no-tillage on sequential cropping supported from recycling of first crop ridge on the productivity of crop and physical properties of soil under green house condition. This study is a part of “No-tillage agriculture of Korea-type on recycled ridge”. From results for distribution of soil particle size with time process after tillage, soil particles were composed with granular structure in both tillage and no-tillage. No-tillage soil in distribution of above 2 mm soil particle increased at top soil and subsoil compared with tillage soil. Tillage and one year of no-tillage soil were not a significant difference at above 0.25 mm~below 0.5 mm, above 0.5 mm~below 1.0 mm, and above 1.0 mm of water-stable aggregate. Two years of no-tillage soil was significantly increased by 8.2%, 4.5%, and 1.7% at above 0.25 mm~below 0.5 mm, above 0.5 mm~below 1.0 mm, and above 1.0 mm of water-stable aggregate, respectively, compared with one year of no-tillage. Bulk density of top soil was 1.10 MG m3 at tillage and 1.30 MG m3 at one year of no-tillage. Bulk density of top soil was 1.14 MG m3 at two years and 1.03 MG m3 at three years of no-tillage, respectively. Bulk density of subsoil was a similar tendency. Solid phase ratio in top soil and subsoil was increased at one year of no-tillage compared with tillage soil, while soil phase ratio decreased at two and three years of no-tillage. Pore space ratio in tillage top soil (58.5%) was decreased by 8.5% at compared with no-tillage soil (51.0%). Pore space ratio was 56.9% and 61.2% at two and three years of no-tillage soil, respectively. Subsoil was a similar tendency. Gaseous phase ratio was decreased at one year of no-tillage soil, and increased at two and three years of no-tillage soil compared with tillage soil. Liquid phase ratio in top soil was increased at one year of no-tillage (28.3%), and decreased at two years (23.4%) and at three years (18.3 %) of no-tillage soil compared with tillage soil (24.2%). Subsoil was a similar tendency. Liquid phase ratio in subsoil was increased than top soil.

The recycling method of enokitake cultural waste and the potentiality of second flush for enokitake were determined, because this fungus is not as prolific as the more commonly cultivated white rot fungi in the conversion of sawdust to mycelial mass. The mycelial growth of F. velutipes on several substrates, variously treated with rice bran was promoted at ratios of 10-20% (w/w) on all substrates, but suppressed at above ratios, although some difference was there. The mycelial densities generally increased correlated to the supplementation contents of rice bran. It could be concluded that F. velutipes preferred mild acidic to acidic conditions for mycelial growth, considering that the mycelial growth rate was highest on waste of pH 6.01, treated with 0.1 % Ca(OH)2 and on populus mixed waste of pH 6.02, non treated. The ranges of substrate bulk densities, which was pertinent for mycelial linear growth were from B.D. (g/cc) 0.17 to 0.23 on waste and populus mixed waste all. The pertinent contents of rice bran supplementation in bottle cultivation was from 20 to 30% on waste and 20% on populus mixed waste, considering the requried duration for pinheading and fruiting yields. Standard bulk density for filling and utilizing the waste and populus mixed waste for commercial f. velutipes cultivation were B.D.(g/cc) 0.19 ~ 0.23, and 0.23~ 0.25, which could be conversed to 510~ 540g/900m1 and 520~ 570g/900m1, respectively, The second flush of F. velutipes was tried and the re-inoculation by sawdust and liquid spawn showed somewhat good results, indicating the potentiality of second crop and suggesting further research for it.