Algorithm for blinds control based on the optimization of blind tilt angle using a genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic

This paper presents the calculation of the power of solar rays that pass through the window of an observed room and their impact on warming up and lighting of the room. The calculations were performed using a mathematical model that takes into account the geographical position of the object, time zone, orientation of windows, day of the year, and current time. This paper also includes the calculation of geometry of the solar radiation and its intensity, artificial light and cooling/heating demands. Based on data from above, the optimization of blind tilt angle was performed to achieve the best possible brightness of the room and energy savings when heating or cooling, depending on ambient temperature. Optimization was performed using a genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic. After an analysis of the results obtained from optimization of the blind tilt angle, an algorithm for blinds control was developed in order to achieve energy savings and comfort in the observed room. Based on the derived conclusions, an UML diagram was made that describes the algorithm for determining optimal blind tilt angle.     

Self-ignition and mechanisms of interaction of coal with oxygen at low temperatures. 1. Changes in the composition of coal heated at constant rate to 250 °C in air

The changes in weight, in elementary composition, in content of oxygen functional groups and in spin concentration of lignite, brown and black coal samples heated in a stream of humid air at a rate of 1 °C/min to various temperatures have been determined I.r. spectra of oxidized and non-oxidized brown coal are recorded and the yields of CO, CO₂ and H₂O were measured. The mixtures of low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons evolved before self-ignition were analysed by gas chromatography, and the temperatures of self-ignition were determined in an oxygen stream using a Leitz microscope. A region of coal oxidation was identified where the hydrogen content remained invariable or increased, indicating an interaction of coal with water in the presence of oxygen. For the next region the atomic ratio H/C of the overall gaseous product was found to be high (6 to 10). Self-ignition was found to occur in this region. The results permit coal oxidation to be considered as a redox process. The aromatic part of coal is believed to act as an oxidizing agent in the region where hydrogen is less affected by molecular oxygen.     

Automatic domain modeling for human–robot interaction

Intelligent Service Robotics - This paper introduces an approach to automatic domain modeling for human–robot interaction. The proposed approach is symbolic and intended for semantically...     

Effects of hot-carrier stress on the performance of the LC-tank CMOS oscillators

The effects of hot carrier stress on a fully integrated negative resistance LC-tank CMOS oscillator are investigated. The major effect is the decrease of the amplitude of the oscillation due to degradation in the I-V characteristics of the MOSFETs. The oscillator phase noise increases with stress duration since the amplitude of the oscillation decreases. A change in the biasing of the circuit due to the stress affects the parasitic capacitances in the circuit which in turn cause a slight change in the oscillation frequency.     

Incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Ghanaian patients with dyspeptic symptoms referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

There is a lack of information in the United Kingdom on the prevalence of third molars in older patients. The aim of this study was therefore to define the pattern of lower third molar retention in UK dental practice attenders aged 35 years and over. A random sample of 599 eligible patients from a rural dental practice were included in the study. Information was obtained from clinical notes and panoramic radiographs. Data collected included age, gender, presence or absence of lower third molars, number of teeth present in the lower arch and eruption status. Two hundred and sixty-four (44.1 per cent) had at least one lower third molar present (mean age = 57.1 years) while 335 (55.9 per cent) had no lower third molars (mean age = 50.2 years). The data suggest that a greater proportion of men than women retain at least one lower third molar although this finding was not statistically significant. Seventy per cent of retained lower third molars reported in the study were fully erupted. Sixty per cent were vertically placed. There was an association between age and number of teeth present (chi 2 = 38.85, 4DF, P < 0.05), older patients having fewer lower teeth. These data suggest that a large number of patients can expect to keep their lower third molars beyond the age of 35 years and that in many cases a conservative "wait and see' policy for lower third molars in the early twenties is appropriate.     

Self-ignition and mechanisms of interaction of coal with oxygen at low temperatures. 3. Changes in the composition of coal heated in air at 60 °C

The gradual changes in weight, in elementary composition, in content of oxygen functional groups and in spin concentration have been established for samples of black coal, brown coal and lignite heated in air for a maximum of 1200 h. An intensive oxidative dehydrogenation was found to occur after more than 300 h oxidation. The process was preceded by a decrease in weight and in oxygen content; its start was found to coincide with a sharp increase in the alcoholic content and in coal ability to exchange hydrogen with calcium acetate, and its rate was found to diminish simultaneously with this ability. The acidity ascribed to phenols decreases gradually but it was found to increase at the end of the experiment. A decrease in ignition temperature was established for oxidized black coal, as well as a change in the composition of low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons evolved during the subsequent gradual heating in air. Some of the changes in the composition during coal oxidation may be explained by acid catalysis.