Probabilistic learning on manifolds (PLoM) with partition

The probabilistic learning on manifolds (PLoM) introduced in 2016 has solved difficult supervised problems for the “small data” limit where the number N of points in the training set is small. Many extensions have since been proposed, making it possible to deal with increasingly complex cases. However, the performance limit has been observed and explained for applications for which N is very small and for which the dimension of the diffusion-map basis is close to N. For these cases, we propose a novel extension based on the introduction of a partition in independent random vectors. We take advantage of this development to present improvements of the PLoM such as a simplified algorithm for constructing the diffusion-map basis and a new mathematical result for quantifying the concentration of the probability measure in terms of a probability upper bound. The analysis of the efficiency of this extension is presented through two applications.     

Notwendigkeit und Vermarktung von Flexibilitätsoptionen im Energiesystem der Zukunft

Demands on production, distribution and consumption of electrical energy change fundamentally with the energy revolution. Energy purchasing costs for inflexible consumers are rising and proceeds of inflexible producers are sinking. Companies are able to reduce costs by marketing operational flexibility options. This article sets out the need of flexibility in the energy system and the new marketing options. Flexibility potentials within infrastructure plants of a chemical park are analyzed, evaluated regarding marketing and activated in the presented research project FlexChemistry.     

A Hard Coal Miner at the Haarmannsbrunnen (Haarmann Fountain) in Osnabrück (Germany)

Mine Water and the Environment -     

Controlled Creating of Cracks in Concrete for Non-destructive Testing

The non-destructive assessment of cracks in concrete is a common task for which non-destructive evaluation solutions have been published. Primarily, these tests have been carried out on artificial cracks that have been created by using notches instead of natural cracks. This study evaluates a procedure designed to create reproducible and controlled cracks in concrete. The procedure is based on using expanding mortar in a series of blind holes. This is done in combination with carefully aligned reinforcement to guide the direction of the crack development. The depth of the crack is also controlled by reinforcement. Crack depth varies statistically in the range of the maximum aggregate size (16 mm) used for concrete.     

当一切都合为整体 ——克里斯蒂安·克雷兹访谈

本文是对克里斯蒂安·克雷兹进行的访谈。"整体"的概念体现在访谈的方方面面之中:克雷兹的建筑学习开始于在类比建筑学影响下,将建筑理解为一个整体的设计方法;在他当下思考中,整体是对于空间本质的根本认知,建筑的外观变化源于空间认知的整体逻辑而不是碎片式的风格转变;在他从概念到实践的工作方式中,整体的概念体现在对于感性一以贯之的坚持;在他的实践项目,尤其是中国的竞赛项目中,整体是对于建筑与社会问题的综合思考,其新近完成中国美术学院良渚校区竞赛的综合体量也是这点的体现之一。     

Optimization of the Liquid Distributor in a Falling Film Evaporator by Means of Air‐Water Experiments

Air‐water experiments (cold‐flow experiments) were performed for the liquid distributor of an industrial falling film evaporator (FFE). The feed to the FFE is superheated and a flash evaporation occurs in the head of the FFE. The aim of the experiments was to investigate the vapor‐liquid flow in the head and the resulting liquid distribution to the evaporator tubes. Several different designs of the distributor were investigated and explanations for the performance losses of the real evaporator over time were found. Several measures were finally concluded and also implemented for the real FFE.     

Emerging R&D on membranes and systems for water reuse and desalination

Sustainable production of clean water is a global challenge. While we firmly believe that membrane technologies are one of the most promising solutions to tackle the global water challenges, one must reduce their energy consumption and fouling propensity for broad sustainable applications. In addition, different membranes face various challenges in their specific applications during long-term operations. In this short review,we will summarize the recent progresses in emerging membrane technologies and system integration to advance and sustain water reuse and desalination with discussion on their challenges and perspectives.