Multiple Decision Expert Systems for Performance Analysis of a Boiler System

Artificial neural networks (ANN)-based multiple decision expert systems (MDES) were developed for assessing the performance of a boiler system. Different configurations of ANN were used with different decision combination methods, including a neural combiner, to propose the model. The model was developed using the plant data collected over a period of five months to predict steam temperature, pressure, and mass flow rate, using feed water pressure, feed water temperature, conveyor speed, and incinerator exit temperature as the input parameters. The predictive capability of the model is evaluated in terms of both correlation coefficient (R) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results observed from this work demonstrate that neural combiner and ANN-based MDES can efficiently predict the data on steam properties consistently, and that the model can serve as an efficient tool for monitoring boiler behavior under real-time conditions. Superiority of the proposed model over others under various scenarios is also demonstrated.     

Photoreceptor Cells Constitutively Express IL-35 and Promote Ocular Immune Privilege

Interleukin-27 is constitutively secreted by microglia in the retina or brain, and upregulation of IL-27 during neuroinflammation suppresses encephalomyelitis and autoimmune uveitis. However, while IL-35 is structurally and functionally similar to IL-27, the intrinsic roles of IL-35 in CNS tissues are unknown. Thus, we generated IL-35/YFP-knock-in reporter mice (p35-KI) and demonstrated that photoreceptor neurons constitutively secrete IL-35, which might protect the retina from persistent low-grade inflammation that can impair photoreceptor functions. Furthermore, the p35-KI mouse, which is hemizygous at the il12a locus, develops more severe uveitis because of reduced IL-35 expression. Interestingly, onset and exacerbation of uveitis in p35-KI mice caused by extravasation of proinflammatory Th1/Th17 lymphocytes into the retina were preceded by a dramatic decrease of IL-35, attributable to massive death of photoreceptor cells. Thus, while inflammation-induced death of photoreceptors and loss of protective effects of IL-35 exacerbated uveitis, our data also suggest that constitutive production of IL-35 in the retina might have housekeeping functions that promote sterilization immunity in the neuroretina and maintain ocular immune privilege.     

Performance analysis of tool electrode prepared through laser sintering process during electrical discharge machining of titanium

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology - It is of great significance for intelligent manufacturing to study condition monitoring and diagnosis methods to realize early...     

Time-domain analysis of cross correlation for time delay estimationwith an autocorrelated signal

The estimation accuracy of the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of an exponentially autocorrelated signal at two sensors in white noise is analyzed. The estimate is obtained by cross correlating samples taken as short-term integrals of the noisy signals from the two sensors. This technique avoids ambiguities in the cross correlation, and it is shown that the best sampling rate is double the Nyquist rate, for which the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is met in practice     

Design and development of a machine vision system using artificial neural network-based algorithm for automated coal characterization

Coal is heterogeneous in nature,and thus the characterization of coal is essential before its use for a specific purpose.Thus,the current study aims to develop ...     

Development of Nd (III)-Based Terahertz Absorbers Revealing Temperature Dependent Near-Infrared Luminescence

Molecular vibrations in the solid-state, detectable in the terahertz (THz) region, are the subject of research to further develop THz technologies. To observe such vibrations in terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and low-frequency (LF) Raman spectroscopy, two supramolecular assemblies with the formula [Nd^III (phen)₃ (NCX)₃] 0.3EtOH (X = S, 1-S; Se, 1-Se) were designed and prepared. Both compounds show several THz-TDS and LF-Raman peaks in the sub-THz range, with the lowest frequencies of 0.65 and 0.59 THz for 1-S and 1-Se, and 0.75 and 0.61 THz for 1-S and 1-Se, respectively. The peak redshift was observed due to the substitution of SCN⁻ by SeCN⁻. Additionally, temperature-dependent TDS-THz studies showed a thermal blueshift phenomenon, as the peak position shifted to 0.68 THz for 1-S and 0.62 THz for 1-Se at 10 K. Based on ab initio calculations, sub-THz vibrations were ascribed to the swaying of the three thiocyanate/selenocyanate. Moreover, both samples exhibited near-infrared (NIR) emission from Nd (III), and very good thermometric properties in the 300–150 K range, comparable to neodymium (III) oxide-based thermometers and higher than previously reported complexes. Moreover, the temperature dependence of fluorescence and THz spectroscopy analysis showed that the reduction in anharmonic thermal vibrations leads to a significant increase in the intensity and a reduction in the width of the emission and LF absorption peaks. These studies provide the basis for developing new routes to adjust the LF vibrational absorption.     

Polarographic Study of Thio-acetic Acid

The polarographic behaviour of thio-acetic acid (RSH) at dropping mercury electrode (d.m.e.) has been investigated in presence of KNO₃ in the pH range 2–10.5 at 30.0 ± 0.2°C in 50% alcoholic medium at 0.2 M ionic strength. Well defined anodic waves were obtained at all pH values in the concentration range studied. At pH < 2.2 and > 10.5 ill defined anodic waves were obtained. The effect of pH, concentration of RSH, temperature, drop time and alcohol on the wave characteristic and the mechanism of the reaction occurring at the surface of the mercury drop have been studied in detail. A small prewave was also observed at pH 9.1 and 10.5, which has been assigned adsorption characteristics. The reversibility of the reaction mechanism was confirmed by a number of methods. The wave is diffusion controlled and reversible involving one electron transfer process: Mathematical and experimental evidence shows that the anodic wave of RSH at. d.m.e. does not correspond to formation of (RSSR) but to a mercury compound RSHg according to the above equation. The diffusion coefficient and temperature coefficient for (30–45°C) of i_d at pH 4.0 and 9.1 have been found to be 1.698; 1.965 × 10⁻⁶ cm²/sec and 1.08%; 1.20% per degree respectively. The dissociation constant pKa was found to be 4.25 by the plot of E_1/2 vs. pH. The linearity of i_d with RSH concentrations provides a rapid and precise method for the determination of RSH down to 0.2 mM.     

Advances in the Therapeutic Effects of Apoptotic Bodies on Systemic Diseases

Apoptosis plays an important role in development and in the maintenance of homeostasis. Apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs) are specifically generated from apoptotic cells and can contain a large variety of biological molecules, which are of great significance in intercellular communications and the regulation of phagocytes. Emerging evidence in recent years has shown that ApoBDs are essential for maintaining homeostasis, including systemic bone density and immune regulation as well as tissue regeneration. Moreover, studies have revealed the therapeutic effects of ApoBDs on systemic diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hepatic fibrosis, and wound healing, which can be used to treat potential targets. This review summarizes current research on the generation, application, and reconstruction of ApoBDs regarding their functions in cellular regulation and on systemic diseases, providing strong evidence and therapeutic strategies for further insights into related diseases.