Optimization of Process Conditions for Styrene Epoxidation Based on the Artificial Intelligence Method

A novel prediction and optimization method based on improved generalized regression neural network (GRNN) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to optimize the process conditions for styrene epoxidation to achieve higher yields. This model was designed to optimize the five input parameters reaction temperature and time as well as catalyst, solvent, and oxidant dosage. The output of the improved GRNN was given to the PSO algorithm to optimize the process conditions. The optimal smoothing parameter σ of GRNN was chosen from the training sample with a minimum cross validation error. Under the five optimized process conditions the maximum yield reached 95.76 %. This innovative model of improved GRNN hybrid PSO algorithm proved to be a useful tool for optimization of process conditions for styrene epoxidation.     

Improved Input and State Estimation for Linear Stochastic Systems with Direct Feedthrough

This paper is concerned with the problem of joint input and state estimation for linear stochastic systems with direct feedthrough. Based on the fact that each unknown input between any two time steps is always bounded, a novel improved algorithm is proposed. Compared with existing results, this algorithm can effectively enhance estimation accuracy. Moreover, the stability of the algorithm is also discussed. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

Asymmetric CPW-fed SRR patch antenna for WLAN/WiMAX applications

In this paper, a compact asymmetric coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed with split-ring resonator (SRR) is proposed to resonate at dual-band operations for wireless local area network (WLAN) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications. The asymmetric CPW-fed SRR patch (ACSP) antenna consists of a meander line, square-shaped split ring, and CPW ground plane. The proposed ACSP antenna resonates at two operating frequencies, namely, 2.48 GHz (2.4–2.74 GHz) and 3.49 GHz (3.25–3.64 GHz) with reflection coefficients (S₁₁) of −16.65 dB and −32.67 dB, respectively. The measured results agree closely with the simulation results of the proposed antenna.     

Pragmatism or idealism? An urban perspective onto the politics of interurban cooperation for sustainability in the EU

European cities have been committed to achieve urban sustainability, participating in interurban networks dealing with socio-ecological issues. By examining the incentives derived by the involvement in these networks and the municipal political milieu where the decision about network participation is taken, this article seeks to understand the motivations for European cities to take part in sustainability networks. To do so, a small-N qualitative analysis was undertaken. The results show that cities’ participation in socio-ecological urban networks (SEUNs) is motivated by the economic, political and formative incentives that membership provides, and is influenced by institutionalised values, political agency and previous cooperative experience.     

Switching controller design for linear time invariant plant with a single I/O delay

ABSTRACT

To deal with the problem of conflicting requirements that cannot be satisfied by only a single LTI controller, this paper focuses on the design of a switching controller, which includes several stabilising linear time-invariant (LTI) controllers designed independently with different control performance criteria, for a specific LTI plant with a single I/O delay. The switching controller design procedure is divided into three steps. First, using simple loop shifting arguments, the design problem is reducible to an equivalent delay-free one. Second, traditional LTI controller synthesis methods could be considered independently for the delay-free plant. Third, based on a quadratically stable state space realisation method, a Youla parameter including a switching strategy with these controllers is designed to guarantee different requirements. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the approach.     

高能量离子束诊断质谱仪的研制及性能表征

本研究开发了一台应用于高能量离子束诊断的直线式飞行时间质谱仪，实现了其与高能真空弧放电离子源的联用。该仪器加速电压30 kV，飞行腔有效飞行距离1.5 m，通过短脉冲离子门精确截取，ICCD高速相机优化聚焦，仪器分辨率优于90 FWHM，对放电过程中产生的等离子体可实现不同时间的离子成分分析。将该方法用于真空弧放电离子源放电过程中离子成分的检测，放电2 μs时，电离成分以气态离子C⁺、O⁺、C²⁺、O²⁺为主；放电6 μs后，除气体成分外，还可以检测到Fe⁺、Cu⁺及其同位素金属离子峰。该仪器能够给出离子源放电产生离子的种类、价态以及相对含量等信息，可实现整个放电过程产生离子成分信息的准确诊断。     

膨胀剂对约束条件下UHPC早期抗裂性能影响的试验研究

超高性能混凝土(UHPC)在钢桥面铺装结构中由于铺装材料受到钢板、栓钉等的约束,加上材料本身水胶比小,更易收缩,早期容易承受拉应力导致开裂。通过在拌和过程中添加膨胀剂可以起到减小收缩的作用,但该方法对于约束条件下的UHPC铺装的早期抗裂性能提升是否有促进作用,仍需通过更多试验进行合理评估和深入研究。通过圆环法对3组不同配方的UHPC在均匀约束条件下的早期抗裂性能进行定量测试,并将试验数据进行回归分析和计算,得到了各组的平均应力发展速率,进而评估了各组的开裂风险等级。试验结果表明,通过在UHPC中加入适量膨胀剂,可使其最终收缩应力减小,并可降低其收缩应力发展速率,进一步降低其在约束条件下的开裂风险。     

Modeling and surface texturing on surface roughness in machining LaPO4–Y2O3 composite

In this work, lanthanum phosphate with a 20% yttria (LaPO₄/Y₂O₃) composite prepared by an Aqueous Sol–Gel process is machined using an Abrasive Water Jet Machine (AWJM). The machinability of this composite is studied by varying the input parameters namely Jet Pressure (JP), Stand-Off Distance (SOD), and Traverse Speed (TS) on Surface finish. Garnet of 80 mesh size is used as an abrasive with a flow rate of 85?g/min. The microstructural characterization study reveals the presence of new element YPO₄. This element enhances the machinability and reduced porosity in the composite. Microscopy examinations on the machined surface reveals that partial overlapping at low JP, poor surface finish at high JP and SOD, forged deficiency at maximum SOD and TS. The minimum levels of all input parameters are influenced to obtain acceptable Ra. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) on the kerf surface shows micro wear track and peaks. The Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) is developed for Ra to check the adequacy. From the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), SOD has a significant effect on Ra with a contribution of 53%. The influence of JP and TS on Ra is found to be 31% and 15%, respectively.     

From a local community to a global influence. How elBulli restaurant created a new epistemic movement in the world of haute cuisine

Location plays a major role in the building of artistic, technological or scientific movements that emerge in specific locations before achieving a worldwide reach. However, a deeper understanding is needed about the interplay of local/global knowledge dynamics in the epistemic construction of a movement. Based on an in-depth longitudinal study of a critical case, this article sheds light on these issues by analysing the case of ‘techno-emotional cuisine’, a global gastronomic movement initiated and led by chef Ferran Adrià and his team at the restaurant elBulli in Catalonia (in Northern Spain). The results suggest that the dynamics of formation of a new epistemic movement depend on the form and nature of the interactions between the local buzz and global pipelines, and on the capacity of the originating community to develop and diffuse the new rules and ‘episteme’ on a global scale while consolidating them locally.     

The relationship between oil prices and US economy revisited

The authors revisit the relationship between US economic growth and crude oil prices considering Industrial Production Index and West Texas Intermediate crude oil spot prices as respective proxies for a period spanning over January 1986 to June 2017. To capture the asymmetric and time-varying relationship, the authors employ maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT)-based quantile regression (QR) analysis. Interestingly, MODWT-based QR analysis provides evidence of supply-driven link between crude oil prices and economic growth in the short run. However, in the medium to long run a demand-driven link is dominant. In addition, the QR results without MODWT also advocate a demand-driven link. Overall, the result of this study adds a new dimension to the literature on the relationship between crude oil prices and economic growth by focusing upon the time-frequency varying business cycle fluctuations.