Extraction of Bitter Acids from Hops and Hop Products Using Pressurized Solvent Extraction (PSE)

The EBC method 7.7, currently used for determination of bitter acids in hop products, is a time‐consuming and laborious extraction technique. In this paper, our aim was to propose a new extraction method based on Pressurized Solvent Extraction (PSE) sometimes also called Pressurized Fluid Extraction (PFE) or Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE). Compared to conventional extractions, PSE offers a number of important benefits. PSE on OnePSE^® automated extractor was used for extraction of α‐ and β‐acids from hops and hop products and the parameters influencing extraction efficiency and the influence of the sample preparation method were studied. The quantitative determination of α‐ and β‐acids in the extracts was accomplished by using an HPLC apparatus equipped with diode array detector. The experimental results were compared with those obtained by the standard EBC 7.7 method and the two methods were found to be fully compatible     

Integrodifferential approach to solution of eddy currents in linear structures with motion

A nonstandard integrodifferential approach to computation of eddy currents in linear structures with motion is presented. Described is a general continuous 3D model of the problem, together with the possibilities of forming corresponding numerical schemes. The methodology is illustrated by two examples.     

Simplified scoring methods for HMM-based speech recognition

Most of the contemporary speech recognition systems exploit complex algorithms based on Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to achieve high accuracy. However, in some cases rich computational resources are not available, and even isolated words recognition becomes challenging task. In this paper, we present two ways to simplify scoring in HMM-based speech recognition in order to reduce its computational complexity. We focus on core HMM procedure—forward algorithm, which is used to find the probability of generating observation sequence by given HMM, applying methods of dynamic programming. All proposed approaches were tested on Russian words recognition and the results were compared with those demonstrated by conventional forward algorithm.     

Enabling differentiated services using generalized power control model in optical networks

This paper considers a generalized framework to study OSNR optimization-based end-to-end link level power control problems in optical networks. We combine favorable features of game-theoretical approach and central cost approach to allow different service groups within the network. We develop solutions concepts for both cases of empty and nonempty feasible sets. In addition, we derive and prove the convergence of a distributed iterative algorithm for different classes of users. In the end, we use numerical examples to illustrate the novel framework.     

Using Faster Gas Chromatography Analyses in Brewing Analytics

Dominant trends in analytical chemistry include miniaturization in sample preparation techniques and faster run times to provide high‐throughput screening, fast process monitoring and fast method development. This study focused on the application of narrow bore gas chromatographic capillary columns, 0.18 mm internal diameter, for brewing analyses. On these capillary columns, faster analyses could be performed compared to conventional GC capillary columns using 0.32 to 0.53 mm internal diameters. The robustness of the state‐of‐the‐art faster capillary gas chromatography, without compromising resolution, has been demonstrated with the analyses of beer flavour compounds such as lower and higher alcohols, esters and other volatile compounds such as acetaldehyde and dimethyl sulphide in beer. These methods were able to reduce sample run times by 60%.     

Economic evaluation of floating gardening as a means of adapting to climate change in Bangladesh

This paper offers an economic evaluation of the floating garden as a means of adapting to climate change in Bangladesh. The study showed that the monthly income of some farmers using such gardens increased from US$12.02 to US$48.08. These folk farmers lacked alternative work especially during the monsoon period. The floating garden uses available natural resources, adjusts to wet conditions and helps the flood-prone people to earn a living, and can be an adaptive response to frequent disaster events in Bangladesh.     

On the use of peak-force tapping atomic force microscopy for quantification of the local elastic modulus in hardened cement paste

A surface of epoxy-impregnated hardened cement paste was investigated using a novel atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging mode that allows for the quantitative mapping of the local elastic modulus. The analyzed surface was previously prepared using focussed ion beam milling. The same surface was also characterized by electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.We demonstrate the capability of this quantitative nanomechanical mapping to provide information on the local distribution of the elastic modulus (from about 1 to about 100 GPa) with a spatial resolution in the range of decananometers, that corresponds to that of low-keV back-scattered electron imaging. Despite some surface roughness which affects the measured nanomechanical properties it is shown that topography, adhesion and Young's modulus can be clearly distinguished.The quantitative mapping of the local elastic modulus is able to discriminate between phases in the cement paste microstructure that cannot be distinguished from the corresponding back-scattered electron images.     

Annotation of multiword expressions in the Prague dependency treebank

We describe annotation of multiword expressions (MWEs) in the Prague dependency treebank, using several automatic pre-annotation steps. We use subtrees of the tectogrammatical tree structures of the Prague dependency treebank to store representations of the MWEs in the dictionary and pre-annotate following occurrences automatically. We also show a way to measure reliability of this type of annotation.     

Design and performance analysis of a nanoscaled inverter based on wrap-aroundgate nanowire MOSFETs

The design and analysis of a silicon nanowire inverter with a wrap-around-gate nMOS is presented and its performance is compared with that of a conventional inverter. The analysis shows that the nano-channel structure design can improve carrier mobility by suppressing the transverse component of the electric field. This results in an enhancement in the current drive of the nMOS, and contributes to lowering power consumption and the switching delay. Simulated power consumption and rise time of the proposed design was found to be about 20 μW and 0.5 ns, respectively, compared with 2.5 mW and 1.5 ns achievable with conventional planar MOSFETs. Investigation of the gate length shows that a nMOS with shorter gates have an improved switching response compared with long channel devices.