Response surface methodology applied for Orange II photocatalytic degradation in TiO2 aqueous suspensions

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous photocatalysis is influenced by a number of parameters involving synergistic effects; hence, an experimental strategy design that considers interactions between the main variables is needed. The response surface methodology was applied for the investigation of photodegradation of 20 mg L^?1 Orange II in aqueous solutions and for optimization of color removal efficiency. Preliminary studies were performed to identify the parameters to be selected for optimization. RESULTS: The input variables considered for experimental design were: solution initial pH, oxidizing agent (H₂O₂) initial concentration and UV‐A irradiation time. The multivariate experimental design allowed the development of a quadratic response surface model to be used for the prediction of color removal efficiency over the full range of the experimental region. Under the optimum conditions established in the region of experimentation (pH = 6.9, [H₂O₂]₀ = 183 mg L^?1 and t = 32 min), a 100% color removal efficiency was obtained in experiments. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the variables considered have important effects on color removal efficiency. The results demonstrate that the use of experimental design strategy is indispensable for successful investigation and adequate modeling of the process because the interdependence of the reaction parameters cannot be neglected. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluating an intelligent diagnosis system of historical text comprehension

This work aims to present and evaluate a Fuzzy-Case Based Reasoning Diagnosis system of Historical Text Comprehension. The synergism of fuzzy logic and case based reasoning techniques handles the uncertainty in the acquisition of human expert's knowledge regarding learner's observable behaviour and integrates the right balance between expert's knowledge described in the form of fuzzy sets and previous experiences documented in the form of cases. The formative evaluation focused on the comparison of the system's performance to the performance of human experts concerning the diagnosis accuracy. The system was also evaluated for its behaviour when using two different historical texts. Empirical evaluation conducted with human experts and real students indicated the need for revision of the diagnosis model. The evaluation results are encouraging for the system's educational impact on learners and for future work concerning an intelligent educational system for individualized learning.     

Vaginal-sigmoid fistula caused by diverticular disease

A case of a 66 years old patient suffering from a sigmoido-vaginal fistula and diverticulosis, previously treated with a total laparohysterectomy, is reported. Retrograde studies demonstrated the presence of fistula, whereas colonoscopy and barium enema failed. After laparotomy and an appropriate bowel preparation, surgery was restricted to the bowel resection and anastomosis, whereas the vaginal defect was not closed.     

An expert PID controller uses refined ziegler and nichols rules and fuzzy logic ideas

This article proposes a scheme for the on-line adjustment of three mode controller settings based on experimental measurements of closed-loop performance. It uses a recently developed heuristic tuning procedure to identify estimated process parameters. This method may give rise to conflicting estimates. Fuzzy Set theory is applied to manage the situation in terms of a fuzzy conjunction to combine the various estimates. PID control was chosen because of its wide use in the industrial environment due to driving simplicity and robustness. The article shows design, development, and computer simulation aspects.     

EGF/EGF-R system and benign breast disease during and following the treatment of gynaecological pathologies with an analogue of LH-RH

Clinical and pathological changes of the mammary gland have been studied in 64 women affected by symptomatic Benign Breast Disease (BBD) coexisting with endometriosis or uterine leiomyomata. These patients were rendered hypoestrogenic by subcutaneous administration of the LH-RH analogue Goserelin depot [D-ser (tBu)6 Aza-Gly10-GnRH (ICI118630)] performed every 28 days, for six months. They were evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically before and after treatment to find possible changes of BBD as well as of endometriosis or uterine leiomyomata. Mammary biopsies were performed before and after treatment in all the patients to study the changes of EGF-R expression. Results showed that clinical improvement is accompanied with a reduction of EGF-R expression.     

Recognition of Adulterated Oils by Direct Analysis of the Minor Components

Recognition of adulteration by other oils via direct analysis of the minor components (“sterol fraction”) is shown for olive oil. 10 % of various oils were admixed, the free alcohols silylated and the minor components analyzed by on-line coupled LC-GC-FID. For most oils, even smaller additions can be recognized. Admixed oils can no longer be determined, however, if their minor components have been removed by strong raffination. Bleaching of rapeseed oil with 7% of earth at 180 °C, in fact, completely removed free and esterified sterols.     

The lipid composition of selected tissues from a Mediterranean monk seal,Monachus monachus

The lipid composition of blubber, brain, muscle and heart from a Mediterranean monk sealMonachus monachus (an endangered species) were examined to allow comparisons with more common species of seals. Only neutral lipids (mainly triacylglycerols) were detectable in the blubber lipids, whereas polar lipids predominated in the heart and in the brain. Neutral and polar lipids comprised almost equal proportions in both liver and muscle. Choline glycerophospholipids (CGP) were the major polar lipids, followed by ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EGP) in the liver, heart and muscle. Cerebrosides accounted for 28.8% of the brain lipids. All lipid classes of the liver contained high levels (31–47%) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), with the exception of phosphatidylserine. The total proportion of n−6 PUFA exceeded that of n−3 PUFA in all lipid classes of the liver, due mainly to the high levels of 20∶4n−6. The highest level of 20∶4n−6 occurred in phosphatidylinositol, where it comprised 32.4% of the total fatty acids. The CGP and EGP of the brain contained lower levels of PUFA than those of the liver, muscle and heart. Alkenyl ethers accounted for 35.8% of the total long-chain moieties in brain EGP. The fatty acid composition of blubber triacylglycerols differed from those of the lipid classes from other tissues in that it had a very low ratio of n−6 to n−3 PUFA (0.3) as a result of a lower content of 20∶4n−6.     

Is there a role for continuation phase cognitive therapy for depressed outpatients?

Two pilot studies evaluated the rate of relapse or recurrence (i.e., major depressive disorder) after cognitive therapy (CT). Two sequential cohorts included outpatients who responded to acute phase CT (A-CT) and who agreed to monthly, treatment-free follow-up. In Study 1, the Kaplan-Meier technique estimated relapse and recurrence rates of 40% at 6 months, 45% at 8 months, 50% at 12 months, 67% at 18 months, and 74% at 24 months. In Study 2, responders to A-CT received 8 months (10 sessions) of continuation phase CT (C-CT). In Study 2, relapse or recurrence was 20% at 6 and 8 months, 27% at 12 months, and 36% at 18 and 24 months after A-CT. An exploratory log-rank test showed that relapse or recurrence-free survival was greater in Study 2 than in Study 1. If replicated, this result suggests that C-CT can reduce depressive relapse or recurrence. Alternative explanations are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)