Robust multiple classification of known signals in additivenoise-an asymptotic weak signal approach

The problem of extracting one out of a finite number of possible signals of known form given observations in an additive noise model is considered. Two approaches are studied: either the signal with shortest distance to the observed data or the signal having maximal correlation with some transformation of the observed data is chosen. With a weak signal approach, the limiting error probability is a monotone function of the Pitman efficacy and it is the same for both the distance-based and correlation-based detectors. Using the minimax theory of Huber, it is possible to derive robust choices of distance/correlation when the limiting error probability is used as performance criterion. This generalizes previous work in the area, from two signals to an arbitrary number of signals. Considered are M-type and R-type distances and also one-dimensional and two-dimensional signals. Some Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the finite sample size error probabilities with the asymptotic error probabilities     

PWM-switching pattern-based diagnosis scheme for single and multiple open-switch damages in VSI-fed induction motor drives

This paper deals with a fault detection technique for insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) open-circuit faults in voltage source inverter (VSI)-fed induction motor drives. The novelty of this idea consists in analyzing the pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching signals and the line-to-line voltage levels during the switching times, under both healthy and faulty operating conditions. The proposed method requires line-to-line voltage measurement, which provides information about switching states and is not affected by the load. The fault diagnosis scheme is achieved using simple hardware and can be included in the existing inverter system without any difficulty. In addition, it allows not only accurate single and multiple faults diagnosis but also minimization of the fault detection time to a maximum of one switching period (T(c)). Simulated and experimental results on a 3-kW squirrel-cage induction motor drive are displayed to validate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.     

Biological treatment of saline wastewaters from marine‐products processing factories by a fixed‐bed reactor

Wastewaters generated by a factory processing marine products are characterized by high concentrations of organic compounds and salt constituents (>30 g dm^?3). Biological treatment of these saline wastewaters in conventional systems usually results in low chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, because of the plasmolysis of the organisms. In order to overcome this problem a specific flora was adapted to the wastewater from the fish‐processing industry by a gradual increase in salt concentrations. Biological treatment of this effluent was then studied in a continuous fixed biofilm reactor. Experiments were conducted at different organic loading rates (OLR), varying from 250 to 1000 mg COD dm^?3 day^?1. Under low OLR (250 mg COD dm^?3 day^?1), COD and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies were 92.5 and 95.4%, respectively. Thereafter, fluctuations in COD and TOC were observed during the experiment, provoked by the progressive increase of OLR and the nature of the wastewater introduced. High COD (87%) and TOC (99%) removal efficiencies were obtained at 1000 mg COD dm^?3 day^?1. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Three-dimensional accuracy with two-dimensional computation speed: using the Kiva™ numerical framework to improve foundation heat transfer calculations

Calculation of heat transfer from building foundations is a computationally intensive three-dimensional problem that can require several weeks to solve using current computing hardware. The Kiva numerical framework was developed to compare foundation heat transfer calculation methods and determine approaches that reduce computation time without sacrificing a balance of capability, ease-of-use, and accuracy. This paper demonstrates the application of the Kiva framework to determine an accurate method of approximating three-dimensional heat transfer effects using two-dimensional coordinate systems. In two-dimensions, problems that would otherwise take days or weeks to solve can be solved in less than a minute. Three existing two-dimensional approximation methods along with a new boundary layer adjustment method are tested across a range of foundation types, shapes, and insulation configurations. The boundary layer adjustment method is shown to provide results within 3% mean absolute deviation from the three-dimensional solution.     

Effect of protein hydrolysates from sardinelle (Sardinella aurita) on the oxidative status and blood lipid profile of cholesterol-fed rats

This study was designed to test the hypolipidemic properties and antioxidative activities of sardinelle (Sardinella aurita) protein hydrolysates (SPHs) obtained by treatment with crude enzyme preparations from Bacillus pumilus A1(SPHA1), Bacillus mojavensis A21(SPHA21) and crude enzyme extract from sardinelle viscera (SPHEE).Wistar rats were fed during 7 weeks a standard laboratory diet, a cholesterol-enriched diet (1%) or a cholesterol SPH-enriched diet. The hypercholesterolemic diet induced the elevation of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Supplementing cholesterol-enriched diet with SPHs or whole sardinelle protein (WSP) at a concentration of 5% (w/w) increased the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL-C/TC ratio and decreased the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio significantly.The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) level, as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were examined. The hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly decreased and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was increased in rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet compared to those fed a standard diet. The treatment of hypercholesterolemic (HCD) diet rats with SPHs reduced the MDA concentration and increased the antioxidant enzyme activities.These results suggested that the hypolipidemic effect of SPHs might be due to their abilities to lower serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels as well as to their antioxidant activities preventing the lipid peroxidation process.     

Impact of electricity rate structures on energy cost savings of pre-cooling controls for office buildings

This paper summarizes the results of a series of parametric analyses performed to evaluate the impact of key design and operating conditions on the effectiveness of pre-cooling control strategies for reducing peak demand and overall energy costs for office buildings. The analyses were carried out using EnergyPlus, a whole building energy simulation program. The effects of various parameters were considered in the analysis including building location, mass level, pre-cooling control strategy, and time-of-use utility rate.     

Trypsin from zebra blenny (Salaria basilisca) viscera: Purification,characterisation and potential application as a detergent additive

An alkaline trypsin was purified from the viscera of zebra blenny (Salaria basilisca) by ammonium sulphate (40?80% saturation) precipitation, Sephadex G-100, Mono Q-Sepharose and ultrafiltration. A yield of 12% with a purification-fold of 4.2 was obtained. The trypsin had an apparent molecular weight of 27 kDa. Soybean trypsin inhibitor and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride showed a strong inhibitory effect on the purified trypsin. Trypsin had maximal activity at pH 9.5 and 60 °C for the hydrolysis of Nα-benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA). It was stable at low temperatures and in the pH range of 7.0?12.0. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the first 12 amino acids of the purified protease was IVGGRECTEPSQ. S. basilisca trypsin, which showed high homology with other fish trypsins, had a charged Arg residue at position 5, where Tyr is common in marine vertebrates and mammalian trypsins. The trypsin kinetic constants, K_m and k_cat for BAPNA, were 0.6 mM and 1.38 s^?1, respectively.     

Evidence of in vivo satietogen effect and control of food intake of smooth hound (Mustelus mustelus) muscle protein hydrolysate in rats

Protein hydrolysates are of a significant interest, due to their potential application as a source of bioactive peptides in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical domains. The present study was focused on the effect of protein hydrolysate from smooth hound (Mustelus mustelus) (SHPH) in the regulation of components of the food intake control such as satiety. SHPH was produced by intestinal digestive proteases from the same species. The amino acid analysis by GC/MS showed that the hydrolysate was rich in leucine, alanine, glycine, threonine, serine, lysine and glutamate. The molecular weights of peptides in SHPH were estimated by ESI-MS to be between 200 and 2500 Da. Biological in vivo capacities of SHPH in rats were evaluated by determination of the CCK-like peptides and insulin content using a clinical human radioimmunoassay. The food intake and the body weight of rats were measured during the period of treatment. Rats treated with SHPH showed a significant decrease in body weight at the end of treatment, as well as a decrease of food intake. Our findings revealed a possible mechanism of the beneficial effects of SHPH in appetite regulation, and this might be important to prevent the risk of a number of medical conditions including type II diabetes.