Off-policy Q-learning: set-point design for optimizing dual-rate rougher flotation operational processes

Rougher flotation, composed of unit processes operating at a fast time scale and economic performance measurements known as operational indices measured at a slower time scale, is very basic and the first concentration stage for flotation plants. Optimizing operational process for rougher flotation circuits is extremely important due to high economic profit arising from the optimality of operational indices. This paper presents a novel off-policy Q-learning method to learn theoptimal solution to rougher flotation operational processes without the knowledge of dynamics of unit processes and operational indices. To this end, first, the optimal operational control (OOC) for dual-rate rougher flotationprocesses is formulated. Second, H∞ tracking control problem is developed to optimally prescribe the set-points for the rougher flotation processes. Then, a zero-sum game off-policy Q-learning algorithm is proposed to find theoptimal set-points by using measured data. Finally, simulation experiments are employed to show the effectiveness of the proposed method

Advanced Powder Metallurgy Technologies

Powder metallurgy is a group of advanced processes used for the synthesis, processing, and shaping of various kinds of materials. Initially inspired by ceramics processing, the methodology comprising the production of a powder and its transformation to a compact solid product has attracted attention since the end of World War II. At present, many technologies are availabe for powder production (e.g., gas atomization of the melt, chemical reduction, milling, and mechanical alloying) and its consolidation (e.g., pressing and sintering, hot isostatic pressing, and spark plasma sintering). The most promising methods can achieve an ultra-fine or nano-grained powder structure, and preserve it during consolidation. Among these methods, mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering play a key role. This book places special focus on advances in mechanical alloying, spark plasma sintering, and self-propagating high-temperature synthesis methods, as well as on the role of these processes in the development of new materials

Development of HIF-mimicking materials for chronic wound healing

Non-healing (chronic) wounds are a major health problem; they are painful, cause considerable morbidity and costs the NHS between £4.5 and £5.1 billion annually. New approaches to wound healing that target tissue regeneration, rather than infection management, are urgently needed. The cellular response to oxygen via the Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) pathway is vital for healthy wound repair and activates a number of processes important for wound regeneration including; the recruitment of inflammatory cells, metabolic adaptation, cell survival and a plethora of pro-angiogenic factors. Considering that patients with increased chance of developing chronic wounds (e.g. diabetic and elderly patients) have an impaired response to hypoxia, wound dressings that artificially targets the HIF pathway may offer some promise in restoring chronic wound healing. Here we investigate if HIF mimetics (DMOG, DFO and cobalt) and HIF mimicking bioactive glasses as a possible strategy for chronic wound repair. To test the effect of these HIF mimetics an in vitro hyperglycaemic model, that mimics the impaired HIF response observed in diabetic patients, was developed. HaCaT preconditioned with high glucose levels for 28 days, resulted in an impaired response to hypoxia (reduced VEGF expression and reduced HIF stabilisation, p0.001). Silica-based bioactive glasses containing cobalt (and other ions that may enhance wound healing, Mg & Zn) were prepared via the melt-derived route. Controlled Co release from the glasses was observed in the physiological range of HIF stabilisation. Zinc ions promoted cell proliferation under hypoxic conditions but not normoxic conditions (p<0.01). The dissolution products from the Cobalt-containing glasses stimulated VEGF secretion linearly to the percentage of cobalt molarity in the glass compositions. Cobalt and zinc-releasing glasses demonstrated the potential use in advanced wound dressings for chronic wounds

Cumulative index to NASA Tech Briefs, 1963-1967

Cumulative index to NASA survey on technology utilization of aerospace research outpu

The Sixteenth Annual Conference YUCOMAT 2014: Programme and the Book of Abstracts

The First Conference on materials science and engineering, including physics, physical chemistry, condensed matter chemistry, and technology in general, was held in September 1995, in Herceg Novi. An initiative to establish Yugoslav Materials Research Society was born at the conference and, similar to other MR societies in the world, the programme was made and objectives determined. The Yugoslav Materials Research Society (Yu-MRS), a nongovernment and non-profit scientific association, was founded in 1997 to promote multidisciplinary goal-oriented research in materials science and engineering. The main task and objective of the Society has been to encourage creativity in materials research and engineering to reach a harmonic coordination between achievements in this field in our country and analogous activities in the world with an aim to include our country into global international projects. Until 2003, Conferences were held every second year and then they grew into Annual Conferences that were traditionally held in Herceg Novi in September of every year. In 2007 Yu-MRS formed two new MRS: MRS-Serbia (official successor of Yu-MRS) and MRS-Montenegro (in founding). In 2008, MRS – Serbia became a member of FEMS (Federation of European Materials Societies)

IMPACTS Results Summary for CY 2010

Working in partnership with industry, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) is helping reduce industrial energy use, carbon emissions, and waste while boosting productivity and economic competitiveness. Operating within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), ITP conducts research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects and technology transfer activities that are producing substantial benefits to industry and helping the nation to address some of its biggest challenges in the areas of energy security and environmental performance. This document summarizes some of the impacts of ITP’s programs through 2010. The selection of 2010 as the timeframe for this report recognizes the fact that it takes at least two years to gain a full perspective on program performance and to assess the results of commercialization efforts for the technologies and practices at issue