Application of artificial neural networks to the analysis of two‐dimensional fluorescence spectra in recombinant E coli fermentation processes

A two‐dimensional (2D) spectrofluorometer was used to monitor various fermentation processes with recombinant E coli for the production of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA). The whole fluorescence spectral data obtained during a process were analyzed using artificial neural networks, ie self‐organizing map (SOM) and feedforward backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The SOM‐based classification of the whole spectral data has made it possible to qualitatively associate some process parameters with the normalized weights and variances, and to select some useful combinations of excitation and emission wavelengths. Based on the classified fluorescence spectra a supervised BPNN algorithm was used to predict some of the process parameters. It was also shown that the BPNN models could elucidate some sections of the process's performance, eg forecasting the process's performance. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

A comparison of lightness contrast effects in CRT and surface colours

The simultaneous contrast effect is investigated in this article. A total of 174 and 154 test/induction combinations were studied for CRT and surface colours respectively. Each combination was assessed by nine observers using a matching technique. The test and induction colours used for CRT colours were similar to surface colours using fabric samples. The results indicated a strong lightness contrast effect for both CRT and surface media; that is, the lightness of a test colour surrounded by a lighter induction colour was reduced for both CRT and surface colours. However, the effect in CRT medium was more pronounced than in the surface medium. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 13–20, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20074     

Citizen Preferences and Paying for Police

Abstract: Researchers frequently approach questions dealing with local fiscal decision‐making using economic models. These models typically base the demand for public services on a set of socioeconomic characteristics that serve as rough proxies for voter preferences. Our study focuses more directly on preference formation and explores the nature of the relationship between citizens’ attitudes about police services and their willingness to pay for them. We pay particular attention to the role of demographic traits, television media, and direct contact with service providers. We present data from a survey of Connecticut adults and use these data to test direct and indirect effects models with regression analysis. We find evidence that attitudes about police predict willingness to pay for police services, holding the demographic attributes of respondents constant. We also find that the effects of some demographic traits on demand for services are mediated by preferences, as are some types of experience and media exposure.     

Wasserstofffreie amorphe Kohlenstoffschichten ‐ abgeschieden durch plasmaaktivierte Hochratebedampfung

Hydrogen free amorphous carbon coatings ‐ deposited with plasma‐activated high‐rate evaporation By using the technology of the plasmaactivated electron beam evaporation we deposited hydrogen free amorphous carbon coatings with deposition rates of up to 100 μm/h. The results of the mechanical and tribological investigations show the potential of these layers for the use in case of wear resistance. Hardnesses of up to 16GPa were proved. The actual state of the characterisation of the coatings is described and the outlook onto possibilities of further optimisation is given.     

Heliumlecktestgeräte für die Qualitätsprüfung von Gehäusen für Vakuumverdichter

Helium leak test devices for the quality inspection of housings for vacuum compressors The well‐known and wide‐spread helium leak test method is a safe and fast quality testing method for construction units of any kind. Due to its safe examination and the short time of examination it is predominantly inserted into automated production lines as e.g. in the automobile supporting industry up to the examination by Airbags and rims of wheel. Likewise in addition, for the construction units, machines and devices of the vacuum engineering. From this the demand results simple and in particular economical devices for the helium leak test of construction units with small numbers of items of under 200 pieces per day. For these manufacturing profiles economical ways for the helium leak test are pointed out.