Tuning a three-loop steam temperature regulation system using the method of evolutionary simulation

We present the results from tuning a PI controller and two differentiators for a three-loop steam temperature regulation system with two leading speed signals. The calculation was carried out with a numerical method using a simulation model and with the application of the authors’ version of the evolutionary optimization algorithm.     

Why clinicians infrequently do research.

Findings from several studies have indicated that the scientist-practitioner model (which stresses the integration of research into clinical practice) is infrequently adopted by practicing clinical psychologists. Although many hypotheses have been offered, there have been no empirical examinations of the reasons why clinicians infrequently engage in research. In this study, 79 practicing clinical psychologists completed a questionnaire focusing on perceived impediments to clinical research. A number of inhibiting factors were identified, but the intrinsic and extrinsic contingencies associated with the conduct of research were most salient. Other concerns included ethics, the impact of research on the clinical process, and the unavailability of appropriate research designs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Alcohol treatment training in psychology internship programs.

This investigation was designed to study alcohol treatment training by focusing on the components of training provided in psychology internship programs approved by the American Psychological Association. Data from 137 training sites revealed that two content areas—group psychotherapy and relapse prevention—were rated as most relevant to alcohol treatment training. Six other domains (aftercare, Alcoholics Anonymous, marital/family therapy, stress management/relaxation procedures, social skills training, and cognitive therapy) were rated as at least quite relevant. The extent to which interns were exposed to these content areas was variable. These findings are discussed in the context of issues surrounding alcohol treatment training among psychology interns and the provision of clinical services to alcohol-abusing patients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of sampling site on passage rate estimates in heifers fed alfalfa hay or a high concentrate diet

Rate of passage from the rumen was estimated from samples from the rumen, duodenum, ileum, and rectum after four crossbred heifers were dosed with cobalt ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and ytterbium-labeled alfalfa or corn grain as digesta markers. Diets consisted of chopped alfalfa hay or an 80% concentrate mixture fed twice daily at 2.0% of body weight (dry matter per day) in two trials. Rates of particulate passage were calculated by two mathematical models, and influence of site of sampling on rate of ruminal passage was appraised. Rate of fluid passage calculated from ruminal samples was more rapid than rates from samples at the duodenum, ileum, and rectum for both the alfalfa diet (10.6 versus 6.3, 5.6, and 5.6% X h-1) and the 80% concentrate diet (10.3 versus 6.8, 7.2, and 6.1% X h-1). With the alfalfa diet, rates of fluid passage estimated from ruminal and rectal samples were correlated .98 despite the marked disparity of means. Rates of passage of particulates estimated from samples from the duodenum, ileum, and rectum were not correlated. Estimates of rate of digesta passage from the rumen differed with postruminal site of sampling.     

Degradation of Wheat Starch in a Single-Screw Extruder: Mechano-Kinetic Breakdown of Cooked Starch

Wheat starch was processed in a 19 mm diameter split-barrel laboratory extruder under varying conditions of barrel temperature (79–121^oC), screw speed (50, 100 rpm) and moisture content (25, 30%). Final product and samples removed from along the barrel length were examined for changes in molecular size by dilute solution viscometry. Final products were also examined for paste viscosity and estimated degree of cook. A mathematical model was developed which relates the residence time of the starch in the barrel, the nominal shear stress acting on the starch and the degree of cook of the product to the extent of molecular degradation of the starch. Solution viscometry was found to be more rapid than gel permeation methods previously used to determine the extent of molecular changes.