Feature-based classifiers for design optimization

We present a design optimization method for systems with high-dimensional parameter spaces using inductive decision trees. The essential idea is to map designs into a relatively low-dimensional feature space, and to derive a classifier to search for high-performing design alternatives within this space. Unlike learning classifier systems that were pioneered by Holland and Goldberg, classifiers defined by inductive decision trees were not originally developed for design optimization. In this paper, we explore modifications to such classifiers to make them more effective in the optimization problem. We expand the notions of feature space, generalize the tree construction heuristic beyond the original information-theoretic definitions, increase the reliance on domain expertise, and facilitate the transfer of design knowledge between related systems. There is a relatively small but rapidly growing body of work in the use of inductive trees for engineering design; the method presented herein is complementary to this research effort.     

Organizational determinants of IT adoption in the pharmaceutical distribution sector

The aim of this paper is to propose new organizational factors that might explain the differences in the extent and the speed of IT adoption. With this in mind, we carried out an analysis of 16 cases in the pharmaceutical distribution sector in Spain. The results indicate that there are certain intangible assets that favour the introduction and development of IT. Among these are a frank and fluid communication between departments and members of the organization, low levels of conflict, the explicit support of top management towards IT adoption and learning and creative skills of IT-staff. In addition to these factors, we found others that we propose as catalysts of IT adoption. Among these we might mention the special relationship between the member-clients and the company in the case of cooperative firms.     

提高热采注汽系统热效率的研究

为了降低热采成本和提高经济效益 ,建立了热采注汽系统热效率的数学模型。根据实测数据计算了 9个注汽系统的热效率。提出了改进注汽系统热效率的行之有效的措施。根据排烟的氧含量的大小 ,可以确定注汽锅炉热效率改进程度 ;按管线允许热损失量和保温材料种类 ,设计保温层厚度 ,可大大提高输汽管线热效率。仅此两项 ,即可使大部分注汽系统热效率提高 7%以上 ,井底蒸汽干度提高 10 %以上。     

接触传热表面粗糙度曲线的统计特征

测量了一般机械加工表面的轮廓曲线，基于小波变换提取了粗糙度曲线，分析了轮廓高度和接触峰高度的统计分布特征。研究结果表明，轮廓高度不服从严格的正态分布，但具有一定的正态性，而接触峰高度的统计特征与其评定标准有直接的关系。因此，对于接触热阻的计算模型来说，接触点数的计算应以合理选取接触峰的评定标准为前提。     

小开河引黄灌区干渠衬砌工程存在的问题及对策

针对小开河引黄灌区干渠衬砌工程在管理运行中存在的渠坡衬砌板沿伸缩缝隆起、混凝土板表层脱落、底部混凝土板下滑、地下渠段混凝土板大面积坍塌破坏等问题。提出了衬砌板破坏的预防及对策,对以后的灌区节水改造工程建设有一定的参考和借鉴作用。     

Influence of inulin modification and flour type on the sensory quality of prebiotic wafer crackers

An inulin syrup made from Jerusalem artichoke tubers, either in its commercial form or after ultrafiltration, was freeze-dried and used as a prebiotic ingredient in the small-scale manufacture of wafer crackers. The flours used for the preparation of wafer batters were from wheat, rye or spelt wheat, or 1:1 combinations of wheat flour and rye flour or wheat flour and spelt wheat flour. Batter viscosity was strongly influenced by the selection of the flour type, but remained within technologically acceptable limits. The ultrafiltration of the inulin syrup, using a 1 kDa membrane, resulted in a significant reduction of the content of free sugars and minerals which, in turn, had a significant impact on the CIE-Lab color values of the wafer crackers. Using spelt wheat flour instead of wheat flour significantly increased wafer cracker firmness measured by penetration, as did the incorporation of ultrafiltered freeze-dried instead of native freeze-dried Jerusalem artichoke syrup. Sensory analysis revealed a significant influence of product formulation on appearance, flavor and texture of the wafer crackers. It can be concluded from quality scores, which were calculated by using weighting factors assigned to the sensory attributes, that wheat flour may be partially replaced by rye flour or spelt wheat flour without negatively affecting the sensory properties of the wafer crackers.     

Phytochemical and biological investigation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stevia rebaudiana</Emphasis> Bertoni; 1-labdane-type diterpene

Five labdane diterpenoids, austroinulin, iso-austroinulin, sterebin E, sterebin E acetate, and sterebin A acetate, along with hydrocarbons, aliphatic alcohols, β-amyrin, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol were isolated from the chloroform soluble fraction of the methanol extract of Stevia rebaudiana leaves. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids were isolated from the EtOAc fraction. All the isolated compounds were identified using spectral tools. The chloroform and methanol extracts proved significant anti-inflammatory effect and caused marked inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats.