Optimizing prior prediction accuracy for disturbances in guaranteed control problems

We consider and formalize the problem of finding optimal accuracy for prior prediction of disturbances in guaranteed planning problems under the assumption that there exist ready algorithms for processing observations able to increase prediction quality at some significant added costs. We analyze the general qualitative scheme of this problem and find analytic dependencies of optimal prediction quality for an illustrative problem of delivery planning. With the example of this problem, we show how useful it is to establish connections between different components in the disturbance vector. We propose a scheme of step-by-step increase in prediction accuracy that does not require prior knowledge of the prediction costs function.     

Analyzing probabilistic pushdown automata

The paper gives a summary of the existing results about algorithmic analysis of probabilistic pushdown automata and their subclasses.     

Closed-loop stability analysis of a gantry crane with heavy chain and payload

In this paper, we analyse a systematically designed and easily tunable backstepping-based boundary control concept for a gantry crane with heavy chain and payload. The corresponding closed-loop system is formulated as an abstract evolution equation in an appropriate Hilbert space. Non-restrictive conditions for the controller coefficients are derived, under which the solutions are described by a C₀-semi-group of contractions, and are asymptotically stable. Moreover, by applying Huang's theorem we can finally even show that under these conditions the controller renders the closed-loop system exponentially stable.     

Coexistence of Superconductivity and Antiferromagnetism in Heavy-Fermion Intermetallic Compound CeRhIn5

An interference of heavy-fermion superconductivity (SC) and antiferromagnetism (AFM) has been studied in the framework of the periodic Anderson model with the superexchange interaction between localized electrons. It has been shown that pressure-induced energy change of the localized states leads to modifying antiferromagnetic and superconducting order parameters. Conditions have been found for the coexistence of SC and AFM in the model. Theoretical results of the pressure effects on the ground state character of the heavy-fermion systems are in good agreement with experimental data for a rare-earth intermetallic compound CeRhIn₅. The divergence of the effective electron mass produced by suppressing the long-range antiferromagnetic order has also been analyzed in the same framework.     

Investigation of the Equivalence of National Dew-Point Temperature Realizations in the ?50?°C to +?20?°C Range

In the field of humidity quantities, the first CIPM key comparison, CCT-K6 is at its end. The corresponding European regional key comparison, EUROMET.T-K6, was completed in early 2008, about 4?years after the starting initial measurements in the project. In total, 24 NMIs from different countries took part in the comparison. This number includes 22 EURAMET countries, and Russia and South Africa. The comparison covered the dew-point temperature range from ?50?°C to +20?°C. It was carried out in three parallel loops, each with two chilled mirror hygrometers as transfer standards in each loop. The comparison scheme was designed to ensure high quality results with evenly spread workload for the participants. It is shown that the standard uncertainty due to the long-term instability was smaller than 0.008?°C in all loops. The standard uncertainties due to links between the loops were found to be smaller than 0.025?°C at ?50?°C and 0.010?°C elsewhere. Conclusions on the equivalence of the dew-point temperature standards are drawn on the basis of calculated bilateral degrees of equivalence and deviations from the EURAMET comparison reference values (ERV). Taking into account 16 different primary dew-point realizations and 8 secondary realizations, the results demonstrate the equivalence of a large number of laboratories at an uncertainty level that is better than achieved in other multilateral comparisons so far in the humidity field.     

Synthesis and structure of large single crystalline silver hexagonal microplates suitable for micromachining

We report a simple one-step synthesis method of large single crystalline Ag (111) hexagonal microplates with sharp edges and a size of up to tens of microns. Single silver crystals were produced by reduction silver nitrate aqueous solution with 4-(methylamino)phenol sulfate. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction and optical microscopy techniques were combined to characterize the crystals. It is shown that the microplates can be easily dispersed and transferred as single objects onto different substrates and subsequently used as a high quality plasmonic starting material for micromachining of future nanocomponents, using modern top-down techniques like focused-ion beam milling and gas injection deposition.     

Cyclic distillation technology – a mini‐review

Process intensification in distillation systems has received much attention during past decades, with the aim of increasing both energy and separation efficiency. Various techniques, such as internal heat‐integrated distillation, membrane distillation, rotating packed bed, dividing‐wall columns and reactive distillation were studied and reported in the literature. All these techniques employ the conventional continuous counter‐current contact of vapor and liquid phases. Cyclic distillation technology is based on an alternative operating mode using separate phase movement which leads to key practical advantages in both chemical and biochemical processes. This article provides a mini‐review of cyclic distillation technology. The topics covered include the working principle, design and control methods, main benefits and limitations as well as current industrial applications. Cyclic distillation can be rather easily implemented in existing columns by simply changing the internals and the operating mode, thus bringing new life to old distillation towers by significantly increasing the column throughput, reducing the energy requirements and offering better separation performance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Distillation technology – still young and full of breakthrough opportunities

Throughout history, distillation has been the most widespread separation method. However, despite its simplicity and flexibility, distillation still remains very energy inefficient. Novel distillation concepts based on process intensification, can deliver major benefits, not just in terms of significantly lower energy use, but also in reducing capital investment and improving eco‐efficiency. While very likely to remain the separation technology of choice for the next decades, there is no doubt that distillation technology needs to make radical changes in order to meet the demands of the energy‐conscious modern society. This article aims to show that in spite of its long age, distillation technology is still young and full of breakthrough opportunities. Moreover, it provides a broad overview of the recent developments in distillation based on process intensification principles, for example heat pump assisted distillation (e.g. vapor compression or compression–resorption), heat‐integrated distillation column, membrane distillation, HiGee distillation, cyclic distillation, thermally coupled distillation systems (Petlyuk), dividing‐wall column, and reactive distillation. These developments as well as the future perspectives of distillation are discussed in the context of changes towards a more energy efficient and sustainable chemical process industry. Several key examples are also included to illustrate the astonishing potential of these new distillation concepts to significantly reduce the capital and operating cost at industrial scale. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

A Genomics-Based Model for Prediction of Severe Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Calcification

Severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification is a significant problem in cardiovascular surgery. Unfortunately, clinical markers did not demonstrate efficacy in prediction of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. Here, we examined whether a genomics-based approach is efficient in predicting the risk of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. A total of 124 consecutive Russian patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery were recruited. We investigated the associations of the inherited variation in innate immunity, lipid metabolism and calcium metabolism genes with severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. Genotyping was conducted utilizing the TaqMan assay. Eight gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification and were therefore included into stepwise logistic regression which identified male gender, the T/T genotype of the rs3775073 polymorphism within the TLR6 gene, the C/T genotype of the rs2229238 polymorphism within the IL6R gene, and the A/A genotype of the rs10455872 polymorphism within the LPA gene as independent predictors of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. The developed genomics-based model had fair predictive value with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.73. In conclusion, our genomics-based approach is efficient for the prediction of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification.