Neural Network Based Algorithm for Dynamic System Optimization

A class of artificial neural networks with a two‐layer feedback topology to solve nonlinear discrete dynamic optimization problems is developed. Generalized recurrent neuron models are introduced. A direct method to assign the weights of neural networks is presented. The method is based on Bellmann's Optimality Principle and on the interchange of information which occurs during the synaptic chemical processing among neurons. A comparative analysis of the computational requirements is made. The analysis shows advantages of this approach as compared to the standard dynamic programming algorithm. The technique has been applied to several important optimization problems, such as shortest path and control optimal problems.     

Wireless link prediction and triggering using modified Ornstein–Uhlenbeck jump diffusion process

Through time domain observation, typical wireless signal strength values seems to exhibit some forms of mean-reverting and discontinuous “jumps” behaviour. Motivated by this fact, we propose a wireless link prediction and triggering (LPT) technique using a modified mean-reverting Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) jump diffusion process. The proposed technique which we refer as OU-LPT is an integral component of wireless mesh network monitoring system developed by ICT FP7 CARrier grade wireless MEsh Network project. In particular, we demonstrate how this technique can be applied in the context of wireless mesh networks to support link switching or handover in the event of predicted link degradation or failure. The proposed technique has also been implemented and evaluated in a real-time experimental testbed. The results show that OU-LPT technique can significantly enhance the reliability of wireless links by reducing the rate of false triggers compared to a conventional linear prediction technique and therefore offers a new direction on how wireless link prediction, triggering and switching process can be conducted in the future.     

Rheological characteristics of oligomeric semiproducts gained via chemical degradation of polyurethane foam using crude glycerin in the presence of different catalysts

Polyurethane (PU) recycling is a topic of growing interest due to the increasing amount of polyurethane waste. The main purpose of polyurethane chemical recycling is to recover the starting polyol. In this study, a method of polyurethane thermochemical recycling, glycerolysis by means of crude glycerin, is proposed. This work presents a comparative study of commercial catalysts used in order to accelerate the decomposition process, namely triethylamine (TEA), potassium acetate (KAc), 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), dibutyltin dilaurate (DbDl), and stannous octoate (StOc).The effect of used catalyst on the chemical structure and rheological properties was studied. The type of catalyst does not have significant influence on the chemical structure, but causes different course of reaction: split‐ and single‐phase in applied conditions. Glycerolysates were measured by Brookfield Rheometer. It was found that repolyols can be described by the Herschel–Bulkely mathematical model in the best accuracy. The investigation showed that the rheological behavior of glycerolysates depended on the catalyst used in glycerolysis process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:891–900, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A Two-Stage Method for an Approximate Calculation of Statically Indeterminate Trusses

The paper presents the principles of a method, which in two simple stages makes possible to carry out the statically calculation of values of forces acting in the fiat static indeterminate trusses. In each stage, it is considered the static determinate truss, scheme of which is obtained after remove the suitable number of members from the basic static indeterminate truss. The both intermediate statically determinate trusses are of the same clear span and they are loaded by forces of half values applied to the corresponding truss nodes. The method applies one of the typical procedures of calculation of the statically determinate trusses and then it is applied in an appropriate way the rule of superposition for obtaining the final values of forces acting in particular members of the basic truss. The values of forces calculated in this way are of a very close approximation to the force values determined in the special and complex ways being considered as the exact calculation methods. The proposed method can be useful mostly but not only for the initial structural design of such systems. The simplicity of the two-stage method justifies an assumption that it can be relatively easy and worthy to adjust to the requirements of the computer aided technology of statically calculation of the complex forms of trusses.     

Towards the improvement of thermal efficiency in lignite‐fired power generation: Concerning the utilization of Polish lignite deposits in state‐of‐the‐art IGCC technology

Integrated coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) is the most advanced technology for coal‐fired power generation. The two‐stage entrained flow gasification process allows for the use of a wide range of coal, as long as the gasification temperature is above the ash melting point of a used fuel. In this gasification technology, lignite, which often has a low ash melting point, can be preferably utilized. However, ash fluidity is also another importance, because the behaviour of molten slag can diminish a stable ash discharge from a gasifier. As the eligibility of coal ash properties is a considerable factor, water physically and chemically kept in lignite (30 – 60% in mass) attributes to deteriorating gasification efficiency, because it causes significant heat loss and increasing oxygen consumption. Developing a thermal evaporative lignite drying method will be a necessary attempt to apply lignite to the coal gasification process. For those preceded objectives, coal and ash properties and drying characteristics of several grades of Polish lignite, extracted from Belchatow and Turow deposits, have been experimentally investigated in a preliminary study evaluating the applicability and consideration for its utilization in state‐of‐the‐art clean coal technology, IGCC. This paper particularly discusses the eligibility of Polish lignite from the perspective of the fusibility and fluidity of ash melts and the fundamental drying kinetics of lignite in superheated steam in the light of water removal. The viscosity of ash melts is measured at high temperature up to 1700 °C. In the drying tests, the significant influence of structural issues, because of the provenance and origin of lignite on the drying characteristics, was found by applying the method of sensitivity analysis of physical propensity. This paper concludes that the investigated Polish lignite has characteristics favourable for utilization in IGCC technology, once the precautions related to its high moisture have been carefully addressed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A three-dimensional heterogeneity analysis of electrochemical energy conversion in SOFC anodes using electron nanotomography and mathematical modeling

In this paper a fully three dimensional, multiphase, micro-scale solid oxide fuel cell anode transport phenomena numerical model is proposed and verified. The Butler-Volmer model was combined with empirical relations for conductivity and diffusivity - notably the Fuller-Shetler-Giddings equation, and the Fickian model for transport of gas reagents. FIB-SEM tomography of a commercial SOFC stack anode was performed and the resulting images were processed to acquire input data. A novel method for estimating local values of Triple Phase Boundary length density for use in a three-phase, three-dimensional numerical mesh was proposed. The model equations are solved using an in-house code and the results were verified by comparison to an analytical solution within the range of its applicability. A limited parametric study was performed to qualitatively assess simulation performance and impact of heterogeneity. Despite the high dependence of the SOFC anode performance on the geometry of its anisotropic, three-phase microstructure there are very few micro-scale numerical models simulating transport phenomena within these electrodes.     

Modulation of Biodistribution,Pharmacokinetics, and Photosensitivity with the Delivery Vehicle of a Bacteriochlorin Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy

Intravenous (i.v.) formulations with various amounts of organic solvents [PEG₄₀₀, propylene glycol (PG), cremophor EL (CrEL)] were used to deliver a fluorinated sulfonamide bacteriochlorin to mice, rats, and minipigs. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that a low‐content CrEL formulation combines high bioavailability with high tumor‐to‐muscle and tumor‐to‐skin ratios. This formulation was also the most successful in the photodynamic therapy of mice with subcutaneously implanted CT26 murine colon adenocarcinoma tumors. Pharmacokinetic studies in mice and minipigs revealed that with the same low CrEL formulation, the half‐life of the photosensitizer in the central compartment was longer in minipigs. Differences in biodistribution with the various formulations, and in pharmacokinetics between the two animal species with the same formulation, are attributed to the interaction of the formulations with low‐density lipoproteins (LDLs). Skin photosensitivity studies in rats showed that 30 min exposure of the skin to a solar simulator 7 days after i.v. administration of the fluorinated sulfonamide bacteriochlorin at 1 mg kg^?1 did not elicit significant skin reactions.     

Synthesis of trimethylene carbonate/ϵ‐caprolactone copolymers initiated with zinc alkoxide: influence of copolymer chain microstructure on thermal and mechanical properties

Ethylzinc(II ) ethoxide is a highly active and efficient initiator for the bulk polymerization of 1,3‐trimethylene carbonate and its copolymerization with ? ‐caprolactone. This initiator allows one to obtain (co)polymers with high molar masses in quite a short time. Significant difference in co‐monomer reactivity and relatively low participation of intermolecular transesterification processes lead to the obtained copolymers being characterized by a gradient chain microstructure. In ¹³C NMR spectra, in all regions, we observed the presence of triads which were distinctly represented by four peaks for the carbonyl signal. Mechanical tests showed that copolymers containing 70% and more of ? ‐caprolactone presented a relatively high Young's modulus and a very high maximum elongation factor; therefore these materials are promising in many biomedical applications. Due to the high reaction rate, we also made an attempt at copolymerization using reactive extrusion which gave promising results. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry