Influence of a lipid phase on steam jet agglomeration of maltodextrin powders

The contribution of an oil phase to the agglomeration mechanisms of food powders was evaluated. Maltodextrin (DE 10), palm oil stearin and two palm oil oleins (up to 25% dry mass) were used as food models. Granulation runs were carried out in a pilot plant steam jet agglomerator. The powders containing oleins were more cohesive than those with stearin and the presence of oil changed the agglomeration mechanisms. The size increase mechanism of pure maltodextrin powder was controlled by surface plasticization and agglomerates with suitable instant properties were obtained. Small amount of oil degenerated drastically the rate of dispersion in water of the powders and their agglomerates but the average size and the mechanical resistance of the agglomerates increased when the oil content of the powders increased. SEM micrographs of agglomerates indicated that higher lipid content in the powders produced compact granules, favoring sinkability but hindering their disintegration. Agglomeration enhanced considerably the flowability of the particles containing oil. The dispersion behavior of the powders with higher lipid content could be correlated with the Hausner Number. A pre-agglomeration step favored the blend of the more cohesive powders producing larger and more resistant agglomerates.     

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE OBSERVERS IN REACTIVE DISTILLATION

This study demonstrates that state observers can be developed and applied to infer the composition profiles of reactive distillation columns from noise-contaminated temperature measurements. The design and implementation of a Kalman filter (KF) and a Luenberger observer (LO) are carried out, and their performances are quantitatively assessed. The reliability, accuracy, and robustness of the two designs method are examined and compared quantitatively. The design and implementation of a Luenberger observer are simpler and easier to carry out than those of a Kalman filter. On the other hand, a Kalman filter is found to be more robust to a noisy measurements, erroneous initial estimates, and model uncertainties. A Luenberger observer could be used for composition estimation of reactive distillation when an ideal model of the system can reasonably approximate the real system; otherwise, a Kalman filter is recommended to be applied in more practical situations.     

Average consensus in networks of dynamic agents with switching topologies and multiple time-varying delays

In this paper, we discuss average consensus problem in undirected networks of dynamic agents with fixed and switching topologies as well as multiple time-varying communication delays. By employing a linear matrix inequality method, we prove that all the nodes in the network achieve average consensus asymptotically for appropriate communication delays if the network topology is connected. Particularly, several feasible linear matrix inequalities are established to determine the maximal allowable upper bound of time-varying communication delays. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and the sharpness of the theoretical results.     

济钢高炉喷煤数学模型的研究与应用

基于湍流两相流理论建立了高炉喷煤两相流动及传质三维数学模型。采用该模型指导高炉生产 ,高炉利用系数由2 .7t/(m3.d)提高到 3 .0 t/(m3.d)以上 ,焦比由 460 kg/t降到 40 0 kg/t,煤比达到 10 0 kg/t,提高了高炉的各项经济技术指标。     

Estimation for the number of components in a mixture model using stepwise split-and-merge EM algorithm

The main difficulty with EM algorithm for mixture model concerns the number of components, say g. This is the question of model selection, and the EM algorithm itself could not estimate g. On the contrary, the algorithm requires g to be specified before the remaining parameters can be estimated. To solve this problem, a new algorithm, which is called stepwise split-and-merge EM (SSMEM) algorithm, is proposed. The SSMEM algorithm alternately splits and merges components, estimating g and other parameters of components simultaneously. Also, two novel criteria are introduced to efficiently select the components for split or merge. Experimental results on simulated and real data demonstrate the effectivity of the proposed algorithm.     

Three dimensional boundary element analysis of internal cracks under sliding contact load with a spherical indenter

Using boundary element based three dimensional modelling for linear fracture mechanics, we present an analysis of cracking in a homogeneous medium subject to contact load. The proposed iterative solution procedure allows a simultaneous treatment of a reasonable number of partially closed cracks. It is shown that the most probable direction of propagation of a vertical internal crack is strongly dependent on its size compared to the contact radius and its location with respect to the axis of maximum normal load.     

The Influence of Surfactant on the Surface Characterization of Celestite in Spherical Oil Agglomeration

This study investigates the relationship between the critical surface tension of wetting of celestite and agglomeration recovery as well as the zeta potential in dependence of pH and amount of collector (Na‐Oleate). For this purpose, effects of pH and collector amount on the agglomeration recovery are investigated and zeta potential measurements and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) analyses are carried out to determine the adsorption type of Na‐Oleate on celestite surface. The sessile drop technique is used for the measurement of contact angle and determination of the critical surface tension of wetting (Y_C) of celestite. The maximum agglomeration recovery is obtained at pH 7. The critical surface tension of wetting of celestite is very close to the surface tension of kerosene, which is 25.95 mN/m. Furthermore, at the optimum Na‐Oleate amount of 10 kg/ton, the critical surface tension of wetting of celestite is approximately equal to the surface tension of kerosene.     

Grand theories of personality cannot be integrated.

Comments on the original article "A New Big Five: Fundamental Principles for an Integrative Science of Personality," by Dan P. McAdams and Jennifer L. Pals (see record 2006-03947-002). McAdams and Pals (April 2006) presented a new model to integrate the field of personality psychology. Cultural and evolutionary factors interact with an individual's basic traits, characteristic adaptations, and life narratives, which in turn are linked to roles, demands, and behaviors. The current authors welcome McAdams and Pals's (2006) model for providing a way to integrate much of the previously disparate empirical findings in personality psychology. However, the current authors also think that McAdams and Pals (2006) overstated the inclusiveness of the model, and more generally, the current authors dispute their assertion that the grand theories of personality can be integrated within a single model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)