A type-2 fuzzy modelling framework for aircraft taxi-time prediction

Knowing aircraft taxi-time precisely a-priori is increasingly important for any airport management system. This work presents a new approach for estimating and characterising the taxi-time of an aircraft based on historical information. The approach makes use of the interval type-2 fuzzy logic system, which provides more robustness and accuracy than the conventional type-1 fuzzy system. To compensate for erroneous modelling assumptions, the error distribution of the model is further analysed and an error compensation strategy is developed. Results, when tested on a real data set for Manchester Airport (U.K.), show improved taxi-time accuracy and generalisation capability over a wide range of modelling assumptions when compared with existing fuzzy systems and linear regression-based methods

0111i I ll III ACTUATOR PLACEMENT FOR ACTIVE SURGE CONTROL IN A MULTI-STAGE AXIAL COMPRESSOR

ABSTRACT. This paper describes an actuator placement methodology for the active control of purely onedimensional instabilities of a seven-stage axial compressor using an air bleeding strategy. In this theoretical study, using stage-by-stage non-linear modelling based on the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy, a scheduling LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) controller is designed for several actuator locations in a compressor from the first stage to the plenum. In this controller design, the LQR weighting matrices are selected so that the associated cost function includes only air bleeding mass flow leading to the minimisation of the air bleed. The LQR cost function represents a measure of the consumption of air bleeding and can be calculated analytically using the solution of an Algebraic Riccati Equation. From analysis of the cost at different compressor stages, the location of an air bleeding actuator is selected at the stage with the minimum cost. Finally, using an ACSL simulation program, the scheduling controller has been integrated with a non-lineat stage-by-stage model and the time response of the air bleeding mass flow at different locations has been obtained to confirm the results from the analytical approach. Results are presented to show actively stabilised compressor flow beyond the surge point where the air bleed is minimised. These results also indicate the preferred location of the actuator at the compressor downstream stages for both low and high compressor speeds

Co-ingestion of whey protein with a carbohydrate-rich breakfast boes not affect glycemia, insulinemia or subjective appetite following a subsequent meal in healthy males

We aimed to assess postprandial metabolic and appetite responses to a mixed-macronutrient lunch following prior addition of whey protein to a carbohydrate-rich breakfast. Ten healthy males (age: 24 ± 1 y; body mass index (BMI): 24.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2) completed three trials in a non-isocaloric, crossover design. A carbohydrate-rich breakfast (93 g carbohydrate; 1799 kJ) was consumed with (CHO+WP) or without (CHO) 20 g whey protein isolate (373 kJ), or breakfast was omitted (NB). At 180 minutes, participants consumed a mixed-macronutrient lunch meal. Venous blood was sampled at 15 minute intervals following each meal and every 30 minutes thereafter, while subjective appetite sensations were collected every 30 minutes throughout. Post-breakfast insulinaemia was greater after CHO+WP (time-averaged area under the curve (AUC0-180 min): 193.1 ± 26.3 pmol/L), compared to CHO (154.7 ± 18.5 pmol/L) and NB (46.1 ± 8.0 pmol/L; p < 0.05), with no difference in post breakfast (0-180 min) glycaemia (CHO+WP, 3.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L; CHO, 4.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L; NB, 4.2 ± 0.1 mmol/L; p = 0.247). There were no post lunch (0-180 min) effects of condition on glycaemia (p = 0.492), insulinaemia (p = 0.338) or subjective appetite (p > 0.05). Adding whey protein to a carbohydrate-rich breakfast enhanced the acute postprandial insulin response, without influencing metabolic or appetite responses following a subsequent mixed-macronutrient meal

SpineCreator: a Graphical User Interface for the Creation of Layered Neural Models.

There is a growing requirement in computational neuroscience for tools that permit collaborative model building, model sharing, combining existing models into a larger system (multi-scale model integration), and are able to simulate models using a variety of simulation engines and hardware platforms. Layered XML model specification formats solve many of these problems, however they are difficult to write and visualise without tools. Here we describe a new graphical software tool, SpineCreator, which facilitates the creation and visualisation of layered models of point spiking neurons or rate coded neurons without requiring the need for programming. We demonstrate the tool through the reproduction and visualisation of published models and show simulation results using code generation interfaced directly into SpineCreator. As a unique application for the graphical creation of neural networks, SpineCreator represents an important step forward for neuronal modelling

Community-based adherence clubs for postpartum women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Cape Town, South Africa: a pilot study

Background With an increasing number of countries implementing Option B+ guidelines of lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all pregnant and breastfeeding women, there is urgent need to identify effective approaches for retaining this growing and highly vulnerable population in ART care. Methods Newly postpartum, breastfeeding women who initiated ART in pregnancy and met eligibility criteria were enrolled, and offered the choice of two options for postpartum ART care: (i) referral to existing network of community-based adherence clubs or (ii) referral to local primary health care clinic (PHC). Women were followed at study measurement visits conducted separately from either service. Primary outcome was a composite endpoint of retention in ART services and viral suppression [VS < 50 copies/mL based on viral load (VL) testing at measurement visits] at 12 months postpartum. Outcomes were compared across postpartum services using chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests and Poisson regression models. The primary outcome was compared across services where women were receiving care at 12 months postpartum in exploratory analyses. Results Between February and September 2015, 129 women (median age: 28.9 years; median time postpartum: 10 days) were enrolled with 65% opting to receive postpartum HIV care through an adherence club. Among 110 women retained at study measurement visits, 91 (83%) achieved the composite endpoint, with no difference between those who originally chose clubs versus those who chose PHC services. Movement from an adherence club to PHC services was common: 31% of women who originally chose clubs and were engaged in care at 12 months postpartum were attending a PHC service. Further, levels of VS differed significantly by where women were accessing ART care at 12 months postpartum, regardless of initial choice: 98% of women receiving care in an adherence club and 76% receiving care at PHC had VS < 50 copies/mL at 12 months postpartum (p = 0.001). Conclusion This study found comparable outcomes related to retention and VS at 12 months postpartum between women choosing adherence clubs and those choosing PHC. However, movement between postpartum services among those who originally chose adherence clubs was common, with poorer VS outcomes among women leaving clubs and returning to PHC services. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02417675 , April 16, 2015 (retrospectively registered)

Simulation Training in U.K. General Aviation: An Undervalued Aid to Reducing Loss of Control Accidents

Analysis of data from 1,007 U.K. general aviation (GA) accidents demonstrates the predominant cause of accidents is loss of control, exacerbated by a lack of recent flying experience. These are long-standing problems that can be targeted effectively with simulation training. Discussion on training strategies in commercial aviation reinforces the logic of introducing simulation training for the GA pilot. Conclusions drawn affirm the notion that GA safety would benefit from implementation of regulated simulation training

Seismic structure across the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 23°20′ (MARK area): Implications for crustal accretion processes at slow spreading ridges

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