A prolog constraint handling rules compiler and runtime system

The most recent and advanced implementation of constraint handling rules (CHR) is introduced in a logic programming language. The Prolog implementation consists of a runtime system and a compiler. The runtime system utilizes attributed variables for the realization of the constraint store with efficient retrieval and update mechanisms. Rules describing the interactions between constraints are compiled into Prolog clauses by a compiler, the core of which comprises a small number of compact code generating templates in the form of definite clause grammar rules.     

Die Anwendung von Prozeßrechnern in der Waschmittelproduktion

The Use of Process Control Computers in the Production of Laundry Detergents Modern laundry detergent production plants require highly sophisticated measuring and controlling systems in order to maintain high and even quality of the products. In addition, the detergent industry is under a very high cost pressure due to market circumstances. It appeared to be efficient to improve the measuring and controlling technology by using process control computers and to come to production methods with lower cost rates. Also, even and safe operation methods are desirable for every production process as well as rapid recognizing and elimination of troubles and early warnings in case of breakdowns. Prerequisites with regard to computer control are a high level of the process equipment and a continuous recording of measuring data, which is very important. The method of operation of the computer control is discussed in general the resulting efficiency is presented. The efficacy can be quantitated with regard to the desired decrease of raw material costs, conservation of energy and saving manpower. The efficiency can not be quantitated with regard to deepening of knowledge of the process, accelerating of the performance of trials, collecting experience for other processes and as prerequisite for a composite system of electronic data processing in the production department.     

Characterisation of high-performance cold bitumen emulsion mixtures for surface courses

Cold bitumen emulsion mixture (CBEM) is not yet widely used as a surface course around the world. In this study, 0/14-mm-size dense-graded surface course CBEMs have been investigated. The mechanical performance was evaluated in terms of stiffness modulus over 3 months and resistance to permanent deformation under three different stress levels (100, 200, 300 kPa), whilst durability evaluation was carried out in terms of resistance to moisture and frost damage. The study has also investigated the incorporation of low cement content (1%) with relatively sustainable by-product fillers, namely ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) type 450-S on both mechanical and durability performance. A comparison has been carried out between the low and high cement content CBEM, as well as with respect to corresponding hot mix asphalt (HMA). The results revealed that the incorporation of GGBS and FA in CBEMs leads to superior performance, similar to CBEMs treated with high cement content and comparable to an equivalent HMA. Furthermore, GGBS replacement exhibited better performance than that of FA replacement. The findings suggest that the new sustainable types of CBEM can be developed for using as a surface layer for medium- to heavy-trafficked roads.     

Improved differential evolution approach based on cultural algorithm and diversity measure applied to solve economic load dispatch problems

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are general-purpose stochastic search methods that use the metaphor of evolution as the key element in the design and implementation of computer-based problems solving systems. During the past two decades, EAs have attracted much attention and wide applications in a variety of fields, especially for optimization and design. EAs offer a number of advantages: robust and reliable performance, global search capability, little or no information requirement, and others. Among various EAs, differential evolution (DE), which characterized by the different mutation operator and competition strategy from the other EAs, has shown great promise in many numerical benchmark problems and real-world optimization applications. The potentialities of DE are its simple structure, easy use, convergence speed and robustness. To improve the global optimization property of DE, in this paper, a DE approach based on measure of population's diversity and cultural algorithm technique using normative and situational knowledge sources is proposed as alternative method to solving the economic load dispatch problems of thermal generators. The traditional and cultural DE approaches are validated for two test systems consisting of 13 and 40 thermal generators whose nonsmooth fuel cost function takes into account the valve-point loading effects. Simulation results indicate that performance of the cultural DE present best results when compared with previous optimization approaches in solving economic load dispatch problems.     

Proteins and proteolysis in pre-term and term human milk and possible implications for infant formulae

Understanding the differences between the protein system of human milk and bovine milk is critical in the development of infant formulae. In this study, the proteins of bovine milk and a bovine-based whey-dominant infant formula were compared with those of human milk for infants born prematurely (pre-term) or at full term (term). The protein distribution of infant formula differed significantly from that of either type of human milk. A proteomic comparison between pre-term and term human milk showed a reduction of levels of β-casein and α_s-casein and appearance of additional products, corresponding to low molecular weight hydrolysis products of the caseins, in pre-term milk. Pre-term milk samples also had higher total nitrogen concentration and plasmin activity, consistent with the proteomic data. These results suggest the operation of a physiological mechanism that may adjust enzyme and/or protein expression to modify protein digestibility, and may facilitate design of infant formulae, closer to maternal milk, particularly for premature infants.