Lyapunov‐stable discrete‐time model reference adaptive control

Discrete‐time model reference adaptive control (MRAC) is considered with both least squares and projection algorithm parameter identification. For both cases complete Lyapunov proofs are given for stability and convergence. The results extend the approach of Johansson (Int. J. Control 1989; 50 (3):859–869) to include Lyapunov stability for MRAC when the normalized projection algorithm is used for parameter identification. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of pretreatments and freezing rate on the firmness of potato tissue after a freeze–thaw cycle

The texture of potato tissue after a freeze–thaw process using different freezing rates and different pretreatments was analysed, in order to select the best strategy for optimum preservation of the textural characteristics of pre‐frozen potato. Ten blanching conditions were tested and a two‐step blanching process with calcium chloride (0.07 g mL^?1) proved the most effective in protecting the tissue after a freeze–thaw process (maximum load force around 10–55% of the raw tissue, depending on potato batch, for air‐blast freezing and 20–60% for immersion freezing). Vacuum impregnation at 100 and 400 mbar, even when followed by different pre‐drying treatments to remove excess water, was very detrimental to resistance to a freeze–thaw process (maximum load force below 10% of the raw tissue for air‐blast freezing and below 20% for immersion freezing). Microstructure analysis confirmed better tissue integrity retention with ethyleneglycol immersion freezing instead of air‐freezing. Differences were found between batches with a 6‐month difference in storage time, indicating that the fresher batch was more suitable for freezing.     

On the design of multiple key hashing files for concurrent orthogonal range retrieval between two disks

This paper concerns the following problem: given a set of multi-attribute records, a fixed number of buckets and a two-disk system, arrange the records into the buckets and then store the buckets between the disks in such a way that, over all possible orthogonal range queries (ORQs), the disk access concurrency is maximized. We shall adopt the multiple key hashing (MKH) method for arranging records into buckets and use the disk modulo (DM) allocation method for storing buckets onto disks. Since the DM allocation method has been shown to be superior to any other allocation methods for allocating an MKH file onto a two-disk system for answering ORQs, the real issue is knowing how to determine an optimal way for organizing the records into buckets based upon the MKH concept.

A performance formula that can be used to evaluate the average response time, over all possible ORQs, of an MKH file in a two-disk system using the DM allocation method is first presented. Based upon this formula, it is shown that our design problem is related to a notoriously difficult problem, namely the Prime Number Problem. Then a performance lower bound and an efficient algorithm for designing optimal MKH files in certain cases are presented. It is pointed out that in some cases the optimal MKH file for ORQs in a two-disk system using the DM allocation method is identical to the optimal MKH file for ORQs in a single-disk system and the optimal average response time in a two-disk system is slightly greater than one half of that in a single-disk system.     

DIFFUSION LAG TIME FOR MULTIPLE AND PERIODIC LAMINATES

The permeability and lag time for a heterogeneous diffusion system, in which the diffusivity and partition coefficient for the diffusant are dependent on position, are formulated in terms of a linear asymptotic analysis. A repeated integration of the diffusion equation is used to obtain the time dependence of the total solute release into the receiver, Q(t). The asymptotic form of Q(t) is linear in time. The slope, and intercept of this linear asymptote with the time axis, respectively, give formulas for the steady-state permeability and lag time. These formulas are then applied to diffusion systems of multiple laminates, consisting of a series of different homogeneous slabs. Thus, for the first time, a concise treatment of diffusion in multiple laminates is obtained. The formulas are also applied to periodic laminates, consisting of a series of identical slabs, but with position-dependent diffusivity and partition coefficient. We found that the lag time can be well approximated by (nh))²/(6D_eff), where n and h are, respectively, the number and thickness of individual lamella, and D_eff is an effective diffusivity, for which a relation in terms of the local property distributions is obtained. This approximation becomes more accurate with increasing number of lamellae. At n = 5, the relative error is already within 4%. Finally a procedure is discussed for readily obtaining the lag time for periodic structures consisting of a serial repetition of a multi-laminate.     

Review of Can Love Last? The Fate of Romance Over Time.

Review of book: Stephen Mitchell. Can Love Last? The Fate of Romance Over Time. New York: Norton, 2002, 223 pp. Reviewed by Timothy J. Zeddies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

液晶分子附着能和盒间隙对响应时间的影响

通过理论分析和实验研究液晶分子附着能和液晶盒间隙对响应时间(τ0)的影响。用液晶盒有效间隙法和表面动力学方程法两种方法推出分析公式,由这两种方法推出的结果是一致的。实验数据与简化方程τ0-dx基本拟合(其中d是液晶盒的间隙,x是指数)。在两种极端的(极大或极小)附着能极限下,指数x分别接近2和1。这个结论有助于优化液晶显示器件的应用。     

A complete VARMA modelling methodology based on scalar components

Abstract. This article proposes an extension to scalar component methodology for the identification and estimation of VARMA models. The complete methodology determines the exact positions of all free parameters in any VARMA model with a predetermined embedded scalar component structure. This leads to an exactly identified system of equations that is estimated using full information maximum likelihood.     

Fire performance of wood (Pinus radiata) treated with fire retardants and a wood preservative

In this work, we co‐formulated an oil‐borne copper naphthenate/permethrin wood preservative system with synthetic polymer‐based fire‐retardant additives prior to the impregnation of Pinus radiata sapwood. We evaluated what effect, if any, the preservative had upon the fire performance properties of the fire retardants and whether the fire retardants impacted on the fungicidal and termiticidal efficacy of the preservative. The fire retardants included halogenated and phosphorus‐based systems. A mass loss calorimeter, in conjunction with a thermopile, was used to measure the time to ignition and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) from which the fire performance index (FPI) was determined. The preservative properties were evaluated using termite and soil‐block decay bioassays. In summary, we found that the rate of fire growth was reduced when the fire retardants were used in combination with the wood preservative. We also found that the PHRR was a better determinant of fire performance than the FPI. The performance of the wood preservative was enhanced against fungal decay and termite attack when used in combination with the fire retardants. The fire retardants also demonstrated some wood preservative properties of their own. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

一种矿山用钢筋网自动化焊接生产线的设计

设计一条钢筋网自动化焊接生产线，包括经料送料平台、纬料自动分料及上料机构、多点电阻点焊机、接料平台、卸料机械手。从上料到出料依靠电机、汽缸之间的协调工作来实现。并由单片机和PLC实现控制功能，上位机用MCGS组态软件在整个过程监视现场，采集工作状态及参数，起到监控作用。     

Theoretical and experimental evaluation of the limit state of transit gas pipelines having corrosion defects

The limit carrying capacity of gas pipelines having corrosion defects were evaluated by means of an improved FEM analysis, together with the ANSI/ASME defect judgement and an experimental verification. When compared with our past presentation at the proceedings of the CAPE'93 Colloquium (dealing with reproduced defects), this paper evaluates the remaining lifetime of a pipeline having natural faults. The new improved analysis includes geometrical nonlinearities leading to a modification of limit state parameters and thus matching better with actuality. This presented work was initiated by the firm of Trans-Gas in Prague after having had a pipeline inspected proving some parts of it as being heavily corroded. The task in hand was to determine the remaining pipeline lifetime with the view to at least a two-year period.