Spectroscopic EPR and IR studies of monomeric and dimeric species formed upon adsorption of nitric oxide on Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 and their reactivity with dioxygen

The interaction of nitric oxide with Ce_0.75Zr_0.25O₂ solid solution were investigated by means of EPR and IR spectroscopies. The influence of adsorption parameters such as adsorption temperature and pressure, presence of the O₂ co-reactant on the nature and relative surface abundance of the resultant mono- and dimeric NO species was elucidated. The thermal stability of the surface nitrosyl complexes and their reactivity toward dioxygen were also examined.     

Quality assessment for a visual and automatic license plate recognition

Video transmission and analysis is often utilized in applications outside of the entertainment sector, and generally speaking this class of video is used to perform specific tasks. Examples of these applications include security and public safety. The Quality of Experience (QoE) concept for video content used for entertainment differs significantly from the QoE of surveillance video used for recognition tasks. This is because, in the latter case, the subjective satisfaction of the user depends on achieving a given functionality. Recognizing the growing importance of video in delivering a range of public safety services, we focused on developing critical quality thresholds in license plate recognition tasks based on videos streamed in constrained networking conditions. Since the number of surveillance cameras is still growing it is obvious that automatic systems will be used to do the tasks. Therefore, the presented research includes also analysis of automatic recognition algorithms.     

Eliminability of cut in hypersequent calculi for some modal logics of linear frames

Hypersequent calculi, introduced independently by Pottinger and Avron, provide a powerful generalization of ordinary sequent calculi. In the paper we present a proof of eliminability of cut in hypersequent calculi for three modal logics of linear frames: K4.3, KD4.3 and S4.3. Our cut-free calculus is based on Avron's HC formalization for Gödel–Dummett's logic. The presented proof of eliminability of cut is purely syntactical and based on Ciabattoni, Metcalfe, Montagna's proof of eliminability of cut for hypersequent calculi for some fuzzy logics with modalities.     

Discrete time sliding mode control with reduced switching – a new reaching law approach

In this paper, a novel reaching law for discrete‐time variable structure systems is proposed. It ensures that the representative point (state) of the controlled plant approaches the switching plane in finite time and then crosses it in every subsequent step. Moreover, the proposed reaching law ensures that for the nominal plant the absolute value of the sliding variable asymptotically decreases to zero, and for the perturbed plant, it converges to a smaller interval around zero than with the application of previously proposed reaching laws. The control method proposed in this paper guarantees asymptotic stability of the nominal system and uniform ultimate boundedness of the perturbed one. Furthermore, the method ensures that the sliding variable rate of change (i.e. the difference between its values at any two subsequent sampling instants) is bounded by design parameters, which do not depend on the system initial conditions. This is a highly desirable property, as it results in a priori specified, ‘almost’ constant convergence rate of the sliding variable when the system state is far off the switching plane and helps enforce state constraints in the system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

INSIGMA: an intelligent transportation system for urban mobility enhancement

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) aim to improve safety, mobility and environmental performance of road transport. The INSIGMA project provides a fresh look at the possible innovations in this field, by enhancing the functionality and accuracy of ITS in urban environments. This paper describes the architecture, sensors, processing algorithms, output modules and advantages of the developed system. A comparison of existing ITS systems has been provided as background. Special attention has been given to performance and privacy issues, as the system includes social aspects such as location monitoring.     

Recent progress in continuous and semi-continuous processing of solid oral dosage forms: a review

Context: Continuous processing is an innovative production concept well known and successfully used in other industries for many years. The modern pharmaceutical industry is facing the challenge of transition from a traditional manufacturing approach based on batch-wise production to a continuous manufacturing model.

Objective: The aim of this article is to present technological progress in manufacturing based on continuous and semi-continuous processing of the solid oral dosage forms.

Methods: Single unit processes possessing an alternative processing pathway to batch-wise technology or, with some modification, an altered approach that may run continuously, and are thus able to seamlessly switch to continuous manufacturing are briefly presented. Furthermore, the concept of semi-continuous processing is discussed. Subsequently, more sophisticated production systems created by coupling single unit processes and comprising all the steps of production, from powder to final dosage form, were reviewed. Finally, attempts of end-to-end production approach, meaning the linking of continuous synthesis of API from intermediates with the production of final dosage form, are described.

Results: There are a growing number of scientific articles showing an increasing interest in changing the approach to the production of pharmaceuticals in recent years. Numerous scientific publications are a source of information on the progress of knowledge and achievements of continuous processing. These works often deal with issues of how to modify or replace the unit processes in order to enable seamlessly switching them into continuous processing. A growing number of research papers concentrate on integrated continuous manufacturing lines in which the production concept of “from powder to tablet” is realized. Four main domains are under investigation: influence of process parameters on intermediates or final dosage forms properties, implementation of process analytical tools, control-managing system responsible for keeping continuous materials flow through the whole manufacturing process and the development of new computational methods to assess or simulate these new manufacturing techniques. The attempt to connect the primary and secondary production steps proves that development of continuously operating lines is possible.

Conclusion: A mind-set change is needed to be able to face, and fully assess, the advantages and disadvantages of switching from batch to continuous mode production.