A system identification problem motivated by robust control

Linear, dynamic model set estimation based on noisy, input-output data is addressed here from a confidence set standpoint. Following the usual robust control perspective a model set estimate for the ‘true’, but unknown, impulse response (truncated at the data length due to causality) is sought via a nominal model belonging to a pre-specified parametric class of approximating models (of ‘low order’) plus some quantitative information on the mismatch between the approximating model and the underlying (possibly, ‘high-order’) one. The solution proposed is based on the asymptotic, parameter estimation theory of Ljung (1978), and Ljung and Caines (1979). It hinges upon the characterization of a joint confidence set for an optimal approximation for the underlying system in a parametric class and the corresponding approximation error, which is shown to be consistent. This is done under relatively weak conditions on the system input (stationarity conditions are not imposed) and observation noise (a specific distribution form is not assumed), and without assuming that the approximating model class contains the underlying model.     

Consumer acceptability and purchase intent of probiotic yoghurt with added glucose oxidase using sensometrics,artificial neural networks and logistic regression

This research aimed to identify the drivers of acceptance and purchase intent of a probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum BL05) nonflavoured yoghurt supplemented with glucose oxidase, and to model the consumers’ acceptability using sensometrics and artificial neural networks (ANN). Consumers (n = 100) evaluated the degree of liking of yoghurt assays in respect of appearance, aroma, taste, texture and overall linking. Sensometric techniques – multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares regression (PLS), principal component regression (PCR) – and ANN were used to model the overall liking. Sensory drivers of global acceptance and purchase intent were also determined using logistic regression (LR). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) identified three consumer segments that presented differences in all sensory attributes evaluated (P < 0.05). The ANN model showed the best performance to predict overall liking, followed by the MLR, PLS and PCR, indicating that taste and texture were the most significant attributes impacting the yoghurts overall liking. In accordance with the logistic models, overall acceptance and purchase intent could be predicted with 81.94 and 85.49% accuracy, respectively. The logistic regression indicated that taste was the attribute that contributed significantly (P < 0.0001) to higher scores for purchase intent and was considered the driver of acceptance.     

Kinetic Parameters for Thermal Degradation of Green Asparagus Texture by Unsteady-state Method

An unsteady-state method was developed for estimating texture degradation during heating-cooling of green asparagus spears. The method used a mathematical model of heat transmission for time-temperature history estimation, and a nonlinear regression of texture measurements of asparagus spears to estimate kinetic parameters. The specific heat, conductivity and convective coefficient of green asparagus were determined experimentally and used in the mathematical model for temperature estimation. Values obtained were Ea = 76.19±0.13 kJ/mol and k_1158°C= 0.00528±0.00005 s^-1. Good agreement was found between predicted and observed texture values. The method was compared with the classical steady-state method. The mathematical model and kinetic parameters estimated could be used to design and evaluate thermal processes for green asparagus.     

Cryopreservation of <i>Cyrtopodium hatschbachii</i> Pabst (Orchidaceae) immature seeds by encapsulation-dehydration

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of the encapsulation-dehydration technique for cryopreservation of Cyrtopodium hastchbachii Pabst seeds. Immature seeds of this species were cryopreserved by an encapsulation-dehydration technique. Seeds of five immature pods, 120 days after pollination, were encapsulated in 3% calcium alginate matrix and pretreated in liquid medium supplemented with 0.08 M sucrose (24 h), 0.15 M sucrose (24 h), 0.25 M sucrose (48 h), 0.5 M sucrose (24 h) and 0.75 M sucrose (24 h) in shaker at 60 rpm. Alginate beads were dehydrated 5 h in silicagel and immersed in liquid nitrogen for 12 h. Cryopreserved beads were thawed at 30°C for 1 min, rehydrated using the same liquid mediums [0.75 M sucrose (24 h), 0.5 M sucrose (24 h), 0.25 M sucrose (48 h) and 0.15 M sucrose (24 h)] and cultivated in half strength Murashige & Skoog medium (1962) with the addition of 2 g/L activated charcoal. Sixty four percent of seeds survived and developed into acclimatized plants after being cryopreserved. In this work, the encapsulation-dehydration technique was employed for first time in Cyrtopodium hatschbachii.     

Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of bovine caseinate hydrolysates obtained through microbial protease treatment

It is currently possible to obtain bioactive nutritional components through enzyme hydrolysis under well‐controlled and moderate conditions of pH and temperature. In this work, we aimed for the production and characterisation of bovine sodium caseinate (NaCAS) hydrolysates by means of an extracellular protease from Bacillus sp. P45. Antioxidant properties were evaluated through 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assays. A glucono‐δ‐lactone acid‐induced aggregation and gelation processes of the hydrolysates and their corresponding mixtures with NaCAS were also analysed. Hereby, we demonstrate that the presence of hydrolysates affects the kinetics of NaCAS aggregation processes but does not significantly alters the final state of the acid aggregates obtained.     

A cooperative framework for integrating ontologies

Nowadays, there are systems and frameworks that support Ontology construction processes. However, ontology integration processes have not sufficiently been specified to date. In this article, by making use of a cooperative philosophy, we describe a real framework for the integration of ontologies supplied by a predetermined set of (expert) users, who may be interconnected through a communication network. This framework is based on a set of well-defined assumptions that guarantee the consistency of the ontology derived from the ontology integration process. Moreover, in the approach presented here, every (expert) user may consult the so-derived ontology constructed until a given moment in order to refine his or her private ontology. In addition to this, the model proposed in this work allows the experts involved in the construction of the ontology to use their own terminology when querying the global ontology obtained until a given instant from their own co-operative work. The validation of the framework is also included in this work.     

Pilot Study of Cucumber Fermentation: Diffusing Gases and Bloater Damage

A pilot study was made of the effect of temperature (17 and 26°C) and purging, with nitrogen (5-20 L/hr applied continuously and intermittently) or air (20 L/hr for 7 hr/day), o n the development of fermentation and on the incidence of bloater damage in cucumbers. Temperature affected the rate of fermentation and both temperature and purging strongly affected the incidence of bloater damage. At 17°C purging was not necessary, and at 26°C 10 L/hr was sufficient, applied for 7 hr/day for 7 days.     

Determination of a process time for a new product: canned low acid artichoke hearts

In order to obtain a process time for canned low acid artichoke hearts, the heat resistance of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 in phosphate buffer (pH 7) and in artichoke puree (pH 5.2) was determined in the range of 100–118°C. D _T values in artichoke puree were determined by the most probable number and plate count methods. D _121°C values were deduced by extrapolation of the curves. An F 8.3/121 (see nomenclature section) target value of 1.8 min, equivalent to an F ₀= 2.5 min, was established considering a D _121°C value of 0.36 min for artichoke puree. The cold point for canned artichoke hearts in 1/2 kg (71.5x117 mm) cans was determined, a set of heat penetration and cooling curves were obtained and the values of the parameters ' j ' and ' f ' were found. A process time was deduced, 21.5 and 23 min of heating at 121°C, following the methods of Patashnik (1954) and Hayakawa (1970, 1974) respectively, in order to reach the F ₀ target of 2.5 min for this new canned food. This process was adequate, as the inoculated experimental pack test showed no altered cans out of 50 inoculated after 21.5 min of heating at 121°C.