On the closed-loop stochastic dynamics of two-state nonlinear exothermic CSTRs with PI temperature control

Fokker-Planck (FP) partial differential equation (PDE) theory is applied to characterize the stochastic dynamics of a class of open-loop (OL) 2-state nonlinear exothermic continuous reactors with: (i) zero and time-varying mean noise disturbances, and (ii) linear proportional-integral (PI) temperature control. The characterization includes: (i) the stochastic on deterministic dynamics dependency, (ii) gain condition for robust probability density function (PDF) stability over deterministic-diffusion time biscale with stationary monomodality at prescribed most probable (MP) state, (iii) evolutions of along nearly deterministic time scale of MP state and control and their variabilities, (iv) attainment of random motion in-probability (IP) stability over deterministic-diffusion time biscale, and (v) identification of the compromise between MP state regulation speed, robustness, and control effort. The methodological developments and findings are illustrated with three indicative examples with OL complex (bimodal and vulcanoid) stationary state PDFs, including analytic assessment as well as state PDF and random motion numerical simulation

Pongycarcinia xiphidiourus n. gen. n. sp.,a new Brazilian Calabozoidae (Crustacea Isopoda)

The discovery of a second species of Calabozoidae, in a cave of an ancient karstic zone of the Bahia State (Brazil), provides new insights into the suborder Calabozoidea, described by VAN LIESHOUT in 1983 and represented until now by a single species Calabozoa pellucida Van Lieshout 1983 inhabiting the subterranean waters of Venezuela. The new finding expands the distribution range of the suborder and permits further studies to clarify its uncertain phylogeny. It also demonstrates a greater diversity of the isopod taxa in Brazilian subterranean waters than previously known. This suggests that a more detailed search would increase the chances of finding further interesting specimens of Crustacea in this region. The belonging of the newly discovered specimens to a new genus and species Pongycarcinia xiphidiourus is justified by the presence of peculiar characters, such as the shape of the second male pleopod and of some structures of the stomach. The two theories of the phylogeny of this isopod taxon, one linking it to the suborder Asellota through common ancestors, the other considering it more closely related to Oniscoidea, are discussed. KEY WORDS: stygofauna, Calabozoidea, Brazil, new genus, new species

Monitoring of a CO oxidation reactor through a grey model-based EKF observer

Often, in real applications it is difficult to dispose of a simple, yet, representative kinetic model because of the complexity of the reactions taking place. To overcome this limitation a hybrid modelling approach is proposed for the identification of the dynamic behaviour of chemical reactors. In particular, the tools of neural network modelling have been exploited to represent the kinetic reaction data. The "neural reaction rate model" is integrated within a first principles model that constitutes the basis of a nonlinear observer (Extended Kalman Filter, EKF) for an etherogeneus gas-solid reactor where the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide take place. The outlined procedure shows that artificial neural networks (ANN) can be effectively used to formulate lumped reaction rates because of their capability in capturing the essential characteristics of the functional relationship among the state variables

On the prediction of psd in antisolvent mediated crystallization processes based on fokker-planck equations

A phenomenological model for the description of antisolvent mediated crystal growth processes is presented. The crystal size growth dynamics is supposed to be driven by a deterministic growth factor coupled to a stochastic component. Two different models for the stochastic component are investigated: a Linear and a Geometric Brownian motion terms. The evolution in time of the particle size distribution is then described in terms of the Fokker-Planck equation. Validations against experimental data are presented for the NaCl-water-ethanol anti-solvent crystallization system. It was found that a proper modeling of the stochastic component does have an impact on the model capabilities to fit the experimental data. In particular, the GBM assumption is better suited to describe the antisolvent crystal growth process under examination

Optimal strategies to control particle size and variance in antisolvent crystallization operations using deep RL

Solution crystallization operations have complex dynamics that are typically lumped into two competing processes namely nucleation and growth. Mathematical models can be used to describe these two processes and their effect on the crystal population when subject to variables like temperature, addition of anti-solvent, etc. To ensure that the crystals meet specific performance objectives, the models need to be solved and the control variables need to be optimized. This has largely been done until now using algorithms from dynamic programming or optimal control theory. Recently, however, it has been shown that learning frameworks like Reinforcement Learning can solve large optimization problems efficiently while offering distinct advantages. In this work, we explore the possibility of computing the optimal profiles of a semi-batch crystallizer to control the mean size and variance using four different deep RL algorithms. The performance on one of the tasks is evaluated experimentally on the anti-solvent crystallization of NaCl in a water-ethanol system

Ticks in the box: Argas persicus occurrence in nest boxes of secondary cavity-nesting bird species in Italy

Migratory organisms can be vectors of parasitic host organisms that can then be transported along seasonal migratory journeys and spread across continents. Ornithophilic nidicolous ticks (e.g. soft ticks) include species responsible for the transmission of pathogens and bacteria, thus representing a health problem not only for wild species that are directly parasitized, but also for those that share the same environments or reproductive sites with them. In this regard, artificial nests for birds may turn out to be site-sources of parasites. Here, we document the occurrence of different life stages of Argas persicus ticks in nest boxes of wild birds in a natural area (not associated with poultry activities) of central coastal Italy (Maremma Regional Park, Tuscany). Between 2018 and 2022, 168 ticks were collected from nest boxes occupied by different secondary cavity-nesting birds, such as European rollers Coracias garrulus and scops owl Otus scops. Ticks were analysed morphologically, and selected specimens were also identified by mitochondrial ribosomal 16S (16S) subunit gene to ascertain their taxonomic status. All ticks were identified as Argas persicus. This finding not only suggests that this tick species has formed a viable population in this Italian region, but also further confirms the previously doubtful natural origin of the species at country level and sheds new light on its underestimated and little investigated distribution. Possible pathways of introduction and its potential impacts on local avian community are discussed

Solvent recovery system for a CO2-MEA reactive absorption-stripping plant

The solvent recovery section from the exhaust gas represents an important auxiliary part for an industrial CO2 post-combustion capture plant by the reactive absorption-stripping process. In this work, a partial condenser and a water-wash section configuration were designed to reach 1 ppm of solvent in the exhaust gas, and compared using the Total Annual Cost (TAC) as economic index. Both the configurations ensured the required recovery performance. The results highlighted that the partial condenser alternative is more convenient in terms of capital annualized costs and water make-up, but at the same time it is strongly penalized by the high operating costs for the cooling water. Therefore, the configuration in which the absorber is equipped with the water-wash section resulted the option with the minimum TAC

On the dynamics and robustness of the chemostat with multiplicative noise

The stochastic dynamics of a two-state bioreactor model with random feed flow fluctuations and non-monotonic specific growth rate is analyzed. Using the Fokker-Planck equation approach for describing the probability density function (PDF) evolution the lack of stochastic robustness due to deterministic bifurcation phenomena for the open-loop reactor operating under optimal (maximum production) operation condition is established, and the associated stochastic stabilization problem is addressed. Inherent differences between the presence of multiplicative noise, due to the feed flow fluctuations, and additive background noise are analytically established. Numerical simulation results illustrate these inherent differences, the stochastic fragility of the open-loop operation yielding a stochastic extinction phenomenon, as well as the stochastic PDF stabilization with a proportional feedback control

Verso un approccio archeologico al rilevamento e alla modellazione tridimensionale

Negli ultimi anni, grazie ai nuovi sensori e alle nuove tecniche di rilevamento tridimensionale sono stati avviati importanti progetti di rilevamento e restituzione di Beni culturali in forma digitale; in ambito archeologico sono però emerse alcune criticità nella definizione di scopi e precisi obiettivi. L’articolo si concentra su alcuni problemi emersi nell’applicazione delle tecnologie 3D in contesti archeologici e in generale sul ruolo dell’archeologia nel rilevamento e nella modellazione tridimensionale. Sono presentati anche alcuni spunti per un approccio metodologico alla descrizione semantica di elementi archeologici, basati sia su riflessioni teoriche che su esperienze dirette.In the last years, thanks to the advances of surveying sensors and techniques, many heritage sites could be accurately replicated in digital form with very detailed and impressive results but archaeological approach is often without a clear and precise purpose. The paper focuses on the analysis of different problems encountered in the application of three-dimensional technology in archaeological contexts and generally on the rule of archaeology in surveying and 3D modeling. It presents also a methodological approach to the semantic description of archaeological elements, based both on theoretical reflections and research experiences