Research of influences of surface structure of coloured textiles: applying fuzzy logic

The fuzzy logic‐based approach was applied in studying the influence of a different textile surface structure on colour appearance and similarity. The fuzzy‐based approach has been chosen because fuzzy logic provides the computerising of human reasoning. For the analyses, 100% cotton samples with certain characteristics were chosen. First, the computer match prediction was performed to determine the concentrations of dyestuff to be used in the experimental work. A yellow‐shaded direct dyestuff suitable for cotton dyeing was used. In the next step, the fuzzy logic system was created based on terms that would define the surface characteristics of the samples. The most important part was a proper definition of the rules and linguistic variables that use words for assigning the values of properties and that influence the experience of an observer (gloss, smoothness, roughness, etc.) and connect input space with output space. Finally, the performances of both systems were compared and analysed. In this work, the approach was based solely on the surface–structural characteristics of textile samples. The main aim was to examine the approach using the fuzzy logic‐based technique in order to provide the method that would include surface parameters of textile samples that are of importance in applying colour to different structured textile surfaces. It was confirmed that the fuzzy logic reasoning would have its application in the control of the influence of the surface structure of coloured textiles, especially for lighter shades where the influence of structure parameters on the colour experience of an observer is more emphasised.     

Lipidomics Provides New Insight into Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets of the Ischemia—Reperfusion Injury

Lipids play an essential role in both tissue protection and damage. Tissue ischemia creates anaerobic conditions in which enzyme inactivation occurs, and reperfusion can initiate oxidative stress that leads to harmful changes in membrane lipids, the formation of aldehydes, and chain damage until cell death. The critical event in such a series of harmful events in the cell is the unwanted accumulation of fatty acids that leads to lipotoxicity. Lipid analysis provides additional insight into the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) disorders and reveals new targets for drug action. The profile of changes in the composition of fatty acids in the cell, as well as the time course of these changes, indicate both the mechanism of damage and new therapeutic possibilities. A therapeutic approach to reperfusion lipotoxicity involves attenuation of fatty acids overload, i.e., their transport to adipose tissue and/or inhibition of the adverse effects of fatty acids on cell damage and death. The latter option involves using PPAR agonists and drugs that modulate the transport of fatty acids via carnitine into the interior of the mitochondria or the redirection of long-chain fatty acids to peroxisomes.     

Chronic implantation of a skeletal muscle energy convertor for cardiac assist devices: a preliminary report

An efficient energy convertor capable of driving a variety of cardiac assist devices is being developed in goats. Muscle work in a linear configuration is converted to hydraulic energy and transmitted to an external test system that controls muscle loads during shortening contractions. This investigation focuses on the variation of muscle characteristics and optimal power output during muscle conditioning. The energy convertor was mounted on the rib cage, the latissimus dorsi insertion reattached to the device, and percutaneous hydraulic lines exited near the spine. Following device, stimulator, and intramuscular electrode implantation, a progressive conditioning protocol was initiated. Weekly biomechanical muscle characterization was performed in the conscious animal, with single twitch and tetanic contractions performed under isometric and isotonic conditions. The characterization data provide a measure of available power, as well as inputs, for a computer simulation that predicts optimal muscle power output and operating conditions. These ongoing implants provide insight into the available muscle power and suggest an implantable energy convertor is feasible. Development of an energy convertor is an important step toward tether free skeletal muscle powered cardiac assist. These studies will be expanded in number and duration to further investigate the effects of conditioning and identify improvements in device development.     

Effectiveness of combustion of shock-dispersed fuels in calorimeters of various volumes

The combustion of a shock-dispersed-fuel charge consisting of 1-g flake Al in 6.6-, 21.5-, and 40.5-liter bomb calorimeters were investigated. Wall pressure histories were used to diagnose the effect of energy release due to turbulent mixing and combustion of the explosion cloud with air. These effects lead to a factor of four increase in the peak quasistatic pressure for the 6.6-liter chamber. Pressure decay was observed at late times and was ascribed to energy losses to the walls due to radiation heat transfer. __________ Translated from Fizika Goreniya i Vzryva, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 121–125, November–December, 2006.     

Limit cycle oscillations in CW laser-driven NEMS

Limit cycle, or self-oscillations, can occur in a variety of NEMS devices illuminated within an interference field. As the device moves within the field, the quantity of light absorbed and hence the resulting thermal stresses changes, resulting in a feedback loop that can lead to limit cycle oscillations. Examples of devices that exhibit such behavior are discussed as are experimental results demonstrating the onset of limit cycle oscillations as continuous wave (CW) laser power is increased. A model describing the motion and heating of the devices is derived and analyzed. Conditions for the onset of limit cycle oscillations are computed as are conditions for these oscillations to be either hysteretic or nonhysteretic. An example simulation of a particular device is discussed and compared with experimental results.     

The influence of m-aminobenzoic acid on electrochemical synthesis and behavior of poly(aniline-co-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>-aminobenzoic acid)

Poly(aniline-co-(m-aminobenzoic acid)) was synthesized electrochemically at graphite electrode under galvanostatic conditions. Aqueous electrolyte for synthesis was consisted of HCl and different amount of aniline and m-aminobenzoic acid. The presence of the meta positioned carboxylic group in m-aminobenzoic acid influenced higher co-polymerization potential, different morphology and electrochemical behavior of copolymers compared to polyaniline. Electrochemical activity is achieved by proton exchange in neutral environment that can result in a faster charge/discharge process, which is in the case of PANI limited by slow anion exchange, making this material promising for consideration in super-capacitors and in biological system.     

Optimal non-active power compensation under non-sinusoidal conditions

This paper presents a new method of non-active power compensation in power systems under non-sinusoidal conditions. The basic idea of the compensation procedure stems from the condition for the minimum rms value of line currents. The application of optimization procedure, observing the above criterion, results in the required compensator. Three different compensators are derived: total non-active power compensator, compensator without energy storage, and reactive compensator. The paper introduces the factors which define the amount of active power in total power before and after the non-active power compensation. The compensation procedure is valid for single-phase and polyphase systems. Simulation results confirm the validity and applicability of the compensation procedure for a diversity of load currents.     

Two-stage optimization algorithm for short-term reactive power planning based on zonal approach

There are various methods for procurement of reactive power as an ancillary service in deregulated market environment. Reactive power market model based on voltage control zones and two-step optimal power flow algorithm is proposed in this paper. Zones are formed by splitting the power system or a control area of an interconnected power system into autonomous voltage sub-areas with sufficient reactive power reserves using the electrical distance method. Every zone formes a single reactive power market. First step of an optimization algorithm determines zonal reactive power prices based on generator's cost functions for reactive power production. Total cost minimization is the goal of the second optimization step where the final dispatching decision is made according to transmission losses and zonal reactive power prices respecting power system planned conditions and security constraints. Proposed algorithm is tested on IEEE 39 bus test system ensuring the system operator's minimal payment for reactive power and transmission losses, without jeopardizing power system security.