Point-in-polygon tests for geometric buffers

The point-in-polygon problem is often encountered in geographical information systems. The algorithms usually work on polygons defined by straight edges. In some situations, however, polygons containing circular arcs are applied. In geographical information systems these polygons are usually considered as geometric buffers, geodesic offsets, or geodesic parallels. This paper presents three algorithms suitable for providing information about the containment of a point in geometric buffers: the Ray-crossing method, the Cell-Based Algorithm and the Approximate approach. An extensive experimental section allows the reader to select the most efficient algorithm for practical problems.     

Hybrid Fuzzy Modelling for Model Predictive Control

Model predictive control (MPC) has become an important area of research and is also an approach that has been successfully used in many industrial applications. In order to implement a MPC algorithm, a model of the process we are dealing with is needed. Due to the complex hybrid and nonlinear nature of many industrial processes, obtaining a suitable model is often a difficult task. In this paper a hybrid fuzzy modelling approach with a compact formulation is introduced. The hybrid system hierarchy is explained and the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy formulation for the hybrid fuzzy modelling purposes is presented. An efficient method for identifying the hybrid fuzzy model is also proposed. A MPC algorithm suitable for systems with discrete inputs is treated. The benefits of the MPC algorithm employing the hybrid fuzzy model are verified on a batch-reactor simulation example: a comparison between the proposed modern intelligent (fuzzy) approach and a classic (linear) approach was made. It was established that the MPC algorithm employing the proposed hybrid fuzzy model clearly outperforms the approach where a hybrid linear model is used, which justifies the usability of the hybrid fuzzy model. The hybrid fuzzy formulation introduces a powerful model that can faithfully represent hybrid and nonlinear dynamics of systems met in industrial practice, therefore, this approach demonstrates a significant advantage for MPC resulting in a better control performance.     

Über die Kinetik der Reaktion von Eisen(II)-, Nickel(II)-und Kobalt(II)-oxyd mit Graphit

An plattenförmigen Proben aus Eisen(II)-, Nickel(II)- und Kobalt(II)-oxyd sowie an feinkörnigen Eisen(II)-oxydproben Untersuchung der Kinetik der Reaktion mit Graphit bei Temperaturen zwischen 920 und 1200 °C durch Messung der Gewichtsabnahme der Probe und des durch die Reaktion gebildeten Kohlendioxyds. Erörterung der Reaktionsmechanismen.     

Kerbzugversuch und Streckbiegeversuch – Prüfverfahren zur Kennzeichnung der Kaltumformbarkeit warm- und kaltgewalzter Flachprodukte

Beschreibung von zwei besonderen Prüfverfahren zur Kennzeichnung der Kaltumformbarkeit, inbesondere der Kantenrißempfindlichkeit von warm- und kaltgewalzten Blechen. Anwendung auf weiche und höherfeste Stähle im Dickenbereich von 1 mm bis 13 mm. Zusammenhang zwischen Kerbzugdehnung oder Ziehtiefe im Streckbiegeversuch einerseits und Blechdicke, Festigkeit, Gefüge und Einschlußausbildung sowie Textur andererseits. Beurteilung der Aussagefähigkeit beider Verfahren im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Prüfverfahren.     

Quantitative assessment of thermal–hydraulic codes used for heavy water reactor calculations

The RD-14M large LOCA test, characterized by a reliable set of experimental data, was selected for an international standard problem exercise (SPE) entitled “Intercomparison and validation of computer codes for thermal–hydraulics safety analyses”. The activity was performed within the frame of International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEAs) Technical Working Group on Advanced Technologies for Heavy Water Reactors (TWG-HWR). In this study, the recently improved fast Fourier transform based method (FFTBM) was used for accuracy quantification of RD-14M large LOCA test B9401 calculations of six participants using four different thermal–hydraulic codes. In addition, developing the capability to calculate the accuracy as a function of time-continues-valued accuracy, did further improvement of FFTBM. Namely, in the past only single valued accuracy parameters for selected time windows and time intervals were calculated. The objective of the study was to demonstrate that the new FFTBM is a powerful tool for quantitative assessment of thermal–hydraulic codes. For demonstration, the test from the facility simulating heavy water reactor was used. The blind accuracy analysis was completed based on solely experimental and calculated data. However, short discussions were held with the representative from Italy (co-author, here) regarding phenomenological windows, variables and void fraction weights selection. In general, the open accuracy analysis confirmed the results obtained in blind accuracy analysis. The main conclusions from accuracy analysis agree with the conclusions from the SPE intercomparison report, which was written independently. Finally, the results suggest that the accuracy of the best calculations of the RD-14M test is comparable with the best calculations of light water reactor experiments.     

A comparison of two practical approaches to preventing inter-span phase contacts during snow shedding on the same 110-kV overhead line

Field experiences in a few particular areas of Slovenia have shown that during periods of snowfall some overhead lines are randomly exposed to short-circuit events between conductors that lie in a vertical disposition. This paper presents two practical approaches to reducing the probability of these inter-span contacts that result from the snow shedding. Both approaches refer to the same overhead line, so that a direct comparison can be made. The first overhead-line circuit is equipped with phase spacers; the second one is equipped with V strings. Up to now, both approaches have served well in practice. In this paper a transmission line is presented, and the differences between the two approaches with regard to the design parameters are given. The advantages and disadvantages of both approaches are summarized.     

Zur schnellen Probenahme und Analyse des Wasserstoffs in technischen Stahlschmelzen

Messungen des bei der Probenahme aus technischen Stahlschmelzen in zwei verschieden schnell abkühlenden Typen der ?Absolut-Vakuumsaugkokille? von der erstarrenden und abkühlenden Probe abgegebenen Wasserstoffanteils. Einfluß der Legierungszusammensetzung und des Gefüges auf die Wasserstoffabgabe.     

Optimal conditions for determination of zinc bacitracin, polymyxin B, oxytetracycline and sulfacetamide in animal feed by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

A separation technique for zinc bacitracin, polymyxin B, oxytetracycline and sulfacetamide in animal feedstuffs by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) was developed. The running buffer was 20 mmol l^-1 borate, 20 mmol l^-1 phosphate, pH 8.4, containing 20 mmol l^-1 sodium dodecylsulphate and 10% (v/v) methanol. MEKC was performed at 25°C; the applied voltage was 25 kV with a running pressure of 10 mbar. Simultaneous UV detection for all analytes was at 215 nm. The method was validated for specificity, accuracy, linearity, precision and robustness. It was shown to be specific, accurate (recoveries were 99.7 ± 0.3, 99.9 ± 0.9, 99.8 ± 1.0 and 99.5 ± 0.4, respectively, for oxytetracycline-, sulfacetamide-, polymyxin B- and zinc bacitracin-spiked samples of feed for cow, pigs, chicken and cattle), linear over the tested range (correlation coefficients ≥0.9987) and precise (RSDs below 1.8% for each analyte). The method was applied to determine zinc bacitracin, polymyxin B, oxytetracycline and sulfacetamide as additives in animal feed.     

An efficient lossy cartoon image compression method

Multimedia Tools and Applications - This paper introduces a new lossy approach for compression of cartoon images. The image is firstly partitioned into regions of roughly the same colour. The chain...