Adaptive neural network control system for laser surface heat treatments

This article introduces an innovative real-time model reference neural control system developed specifically for laser surface heat treatments, which allows one to improve significantly the uniformity and final quality of the process, reducing the rejection rate and increasing the productivity and efficiency of the treatment. Basically, the proposed neural controller allows one to assimilate the complex system dynamics to a simple first order linear system, which can be easily controlled by a conventional proportional, integral and derivative controller, PID, providing exceptional results.     

GUIDE-gradient: A Guiding Algorithm for Mobile Nodes in WLAN and Ad-hoc Networks

Whereas there is a lot of work related to finding the location of users in WLAN and ad-hoc networks, guiding users in these networks remains mostly an unexplored area of research. In this paper we present the concept of node-to-node guidance and introduce a method that can be used to implement it. This method relies on the computation of a local gradient in the neighborhood of the moving node. We named this protocol GUIDE-gradient, which is a GPS-free and infrastructure-free node-to-node guiding system. In this paper we also discuss how the guiding algorithm can be generalized to node-to-node guidance in multihop ad-hoc networks.     

Effect of thermostat and window opening occupant behavior models on energy use in homes

Existing dynamic energy simulation tools exceed the static dimension of the simplified methods through a better and more accurate prediction of energy use; however, their ability to predict real energy consumption is undermined by a weak representation of human interactions with the control of the indoor environment. The traditional approach to building dynamic simulation considers energy consumption as fully deterministic, taking into account standardized input parameters and using fixed and unrealistic schedules (lighting level, occupancy, ventilation rate, thermostat set-point). In contrast, in everyday practice occupants interact with the building plant system and building envelope in order to achieve desired indoor environmental conditions. In this study, occupant behavior in residential building was modelled accordingly to a probabilistic approach. A new methodology was developed to combine probabilistic user profiles for both window opening and thermostat set-point adjustments into one building energy model implemented in the dynamic simulation tool IDA Ice. The aim of the study was to compare mean values of the probabilistic distribution of the obtained results with a singular heating energy consumption value obtained by means of standard deterministic simulations. Major findings of this research demonstrated the weakness of standardized occupant behavior profile in energy simulation tools and the strengths of energy models based on measurements in fields and probabilistic modelling providing scenarios of occupant behavior in buildings.     

Chymotrypsin isolation from jumbo squid (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dosidicus gigas</Emphasis>) hepatopancreas: Partial characterization and effect on muscle collagen

Chymotrypsin was purified from jumbo squid hepatopancreas (HP) with 2.4-fold and yield 1.9%, and characterized with a molecular weight of 31 kDa, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Chymotrypsin effect over collagen extracted from the mantle, fins and arms of the jumbo squid was evaluated. The enzyme exhibited the maximum activity at pH 7 and 65°C using Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide (SAAPNA) as a substrate and it was identified using the specific inhibitors N-tosyl-L-phenylalaninechloromethyl ketone (TPCK) and phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), showing residual activities of 6% and 0%, respectively. Furthermore, high activity was observed in the pH range of 4.0 to 8.0. Purified enzyme showed a moderate in vitro activity using muscle collagen as a substrate. Although further research is needed, the results suggest that the enzyme has a potential application where acidic or slightly alkaline conditions are needed.     

Effect of temperature on antioxidant capacity during drying process of mortiño (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz)

The mortiño fruit (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) has been recognized as an excellent source of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and anthocyanins. Drying conditions, particularly temperature, often lead to food quality degradation. The present study investigated the influence of drying temperature (40, 50, and 60°C) on antioxidant activity, anthocyanin, and phenol content of mortiño. Four different thin layer drying models of drying kinetics (Modified page, Newton, Henderson & Pabis and, two-terms) were fitted to the experimental data. For antioxidant capacity determination, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assays were used. The results showed that antioxidant capacity, and phenolic and anthocyanin content all decreased with increasing temperature and drying time. It was observed that phenols and anthocyanins were conserved in greater amounts at 60°C with 34% (5.85 mg gallic acid/g dm) and 32% (2.36 mg Cyanidin-3-glucoside/g dm) preservation of initial content, respectively. Drying kinetics models were compared based on their R² and root mean square error values between the experimental and predicted moisture ratios. The two-terms model was found to satisfactorily describe the drying curves for all temperatures evaluated, with a determination coefficient (R²) above 0.9987 and root mean square error lower than 0.0201.     

A cusum change-point detection algorithm for non-stationary sequences with application to data network surveillance

We adapt the classic cusum change-point detection algorithm to handle non-stationary sequences that are typical with network surveillance applications. The proposed algorithm uses a defined timeslot structure to take into account time varying distributions, and uses historical samples of observations within each timeslot to facilitate a nonparametric methodology. Our proposed solution includes an on-line screening feature that fully automates the implementation of the algorithm and eliminates the need for manual oversight up until the point where root cause analysis begins.     

Sertoli cell tumor of the testis: clinical pathologic varieties. Report of a case

Tumours derived from sex cords and primitive gonadal stroma account for 4% of total testicular tumours. The low frequency of Sertoli's cells tumour (SCT) and the uneven study and follow-up of patients makes analysis of this tumoral entity difficult. This paper contributes one case report of a Sertoli's giant cell tumour calcified in a 13-year old patient, and reviews the clinical aspects, clinico-pathological varieties believed to require assessment in patients with this type of disease. This type of tumour is considered benign in its biological behaviour, although some malignant forms have also been described. SCT is actually an heterogeneous tumoral pathogenic entity with regard to pathogenic and prognostic aspects. Our final conclusions show that the clinico-pathological variety, age, size and associated clinical manifestations appear to be related to the prognosis.