CONSTEEL(R)流程和环境控制

1 CONSTEEL(R)系统:简介 CONSTEEL(R)系统构想的目标是减少能量消耗和生产成本,也致力于通过连续不断地控制烟气排放和噪音来提高工作环境. CONSTEEL(R)流程(图1)是目前可以利用的、与污染控制有关的最好的技术.     

Fractal fluctuations in quantum mechanics

In quantum open systems, transport coejcients such as crosssections or conductance fluctuate as functions of the relevant parameters. These fluctuations give rise to complicated patterns. An important question is their possible fractality. In this paper we present a historical review of fractal fluctuations in quantum systems and their relation to the properties of their classical counterparts. We discuss the original semiclassical predictions and various numerical and experimental results. Some numerical simulations claim explanations based on pure quantum grounds. We thus report an argument that traces fractality back to the statistical properties of the S -matrix poles. Although full understanding of the reasons for fractal fluctuations might seema secondary problem, it could lead to a deeper comprehension of quantum mechanics and its interplay with classical mechanics.     

STRUCTURED REPRESENTATION OF FMS INTEGRATING SI-NETS AND HIGH LEVEL PETRI NETS

In this paper a structured knowledge-based approach to the representation and scheduling of flexible manufactoring systems (FMSs) is described. Our approach is based on a structured conceptual representation (a KL-ONE-like Si-net representation formalism), extended with an instant-based temporal reasoning formalism. Furthermore, the approach integrates a particular extension to high-level Petri nets (PNs), structured timed colored Petri nets (STCPNs), for the modeling and simulation of the FMS. Such a representation scheme allows us to use SI-nets' good properties related to inference (classification and inheritance), which are lacking in PNs, and at the same time provides an extension toward an explicit representation for time. The integration of Si-nets with PNs is necessary because simulation and low-level coordination of FMSs require a procedural approach that is not within the aims of Si-nets. Therefore, procedural and symbolic levels, corresponding to the different hierarchical levels of the representation and control system of the FMS, coexist in the system. Using a qualitative terminology, we may also call them analog and symbolic knowledge. We assume that such a hybrid representation system may be useful, since a procedural representation, integrated within a logic formalism, can increase the expressive power without complicating the notation or the representation itself. The paper describes both the representational aspects and the modeling of the control system of the FMS, focusing on the interaction mechanisms among the different levels of representation. In particular, we show how an STCPN-based model can be automatically derived starting from the symbolic component of the system. A particular FMS case study, regarding a class of problems of resource-constrained multiproject scheduling (where projects are sets of tasks temporally related), is discussed.     

Connectionism and functionalism: the importance of being a subsymbolist

Abstract

In recent years the development of connectionist theories and of various subsymbolic approaches to the study of the mind, and the renewed interest in the relations between the study of the mind and the neuroscience have had significant repercussions on the philosophical foundations of artificial intelligence and cognitive science, and on important questions of the philosophy of mind. Various approaches to the problem of mental representations have been formulated, in some sense alternative to classic approaches of artificial intelligence and cognitive science. We suggest that the problem of modelling the reference of mental symbols from a cognitive point of view requires the abandonment of a purely symbolic approach, and the adoption of a subsymbolic level of representation. Some philosophical consequences of a subsymbolic level of this kind are discussed. After distinguishing between the problem of reference and that of intentionality (which cannot be solved positing a subsymbolic level of representation), we shall see how a subsymbolic approach can be compatible with a functionalist view of the mind, in the wider sense. Finally, some consequences of subsymbolic models of reference regarding the problem of the inverted spectrum are described.     

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF PASTA PRODUCTION IN ITALY

ABSTRACT

In this article, life cycle assessment was used to evaluate the environmental performances of the production and the distribution of durum wheat pasta, in the Italian market. In accordance with a cradle‐to‐grave approach, the environmental impact of the whole manufacturing process was assessed, taking into account the energetic flows, the consumption of materials and the emissions of pollutants. Results revealed that the agricultural production (i.e., cultivation of wheat) and the production of durum wheat semolina were the subprocesses that accounted for most of the environmental load. Therefore, to improve the environmental performance, an alternative production system was designed in which organic agriculture was used to produce wheat; recyclable cardboard was used as the only packaging material, and a more efficient dust collecting system was installed at the mill (for semolina production). The obtained environmental improvements were finally presented and further discussed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Since the late 90s, the Italian producers of pasta have been striving to improve the environmental performance of their productive process and, nowadays, this effort is being extended to the whole supply chain. This article highlights the stages that account for most of the environmental impact (i.e., hot spots) during the production of durum wheat pasta. Suggestions and insight to reduce the overall environmental load are also provided, and their potential benefits are evaluated, in comparison with the traditional productive process. Therefore, this work can be useful for practitioners of the agri‐food industry, who wish to improve the environmental performance of their productive process.

     

Indian medicinal plants are effective in the treatment and management of COVID-19

Indian medicinal plants are referred to as the “nectar of life” owing to their phytochemicals and bioactive complexes that are beneficial in treating diseases. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health issue without any proper medication. The indigenous plants of India can be exploited to control the precise signs of SARS-CoV-2. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) has advised routine usage of medicinal plants for COVID-19. Medicinal plants like Zingiber officinalis, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, Nigella sativa, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Allium sativum, Tinospora cordifolia, etc. have immunity-boosting, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that can suppress and treat symptoms of COVID-19. In vitro, in vivo as well as in silico validation, these phytochemicals can help us to manage and treat COVID-19 disease. This integration of traditional knowledge in the prophylaxis of corona infection and current skills validating it for the development of precise and powerful therapeutic approaches will more efficiently resolve different clinical aspects of COVID-19. The review focuses on both traditional and emergent methods to prevent and treat COVID-19 with various Indian medicinal plants along with their phytochemicals.