Optimal Combustion Conditions for a Small-scale Biomass Boiler

This paper reports on an attempt to achieve maximum efficiency and lowest possible emissions for a small-scale biomass boiler. This aim can be attained only by changing the control algorithm of the boiler, and in this way not raising the acquisition costs for the boiler. This paper describes the experimental facility, the problems that arose while establishing the facility, and how we have dealt with them. The focus is on discontinuities arising after periodic grate sweeping, and on finding the parameters of the PID control loops. Alongside these methods, which need a lambda probe signal for proper functionality, we inroduce another method, which is able to intercept the optimal combustion working point without the need to use a lambda sensor

Happiness as a Driver of Risk-Avoiding Behavior

Most governments try to discourage their citizens from taking extreme risks with their health and lives. Yet, for reasons not understood, many people continue to do so. We suggest a new approach to this longstanding question. First, we show that expected-utility theory predicts that 'happier' people will be less attracted to risky behaviors. Second, using BRFSS data on seatbelt use in a sample of 300,000 Americans, we document evidence strongly consistent with that prediction. Our result is demonstrated with various methodological approaches, including Bayesian model-selection and instrumental-variable estimation (based on unhappiness caused by widowhood). Third, using data on road accidents from the Add Health data set, we find strongly corroborative longitudinal evidence. These results suggest that government policy may need to address the underlying happiness of individuals rather than focus on behavioural symptoms.subjective well-being, risky behaviors, effects of well-being, rational carelessness

Happiness as a Driver of Risk-Avoiding Behavior

Understanding the reasons why individuals take risks, particularly unnecessary risks, remains an important question in economics. We provide the first evidence of a powerful connection between happiness and risk-avoidance. Using data on 300,000 Americans, we demonstrate that happier individuals wear seatbelts more frequently. This result is obtained with five different methodological approaches, including Bayesian model-selection and an instrumented analysis based on unhappiness through widowhood. Independent longitudinal data corroborate the finding, showing that happiness is predictive of future motor vehicle accidents. Our results are consistent with a rational-choice explanation: happy people value life and thus act to preserve it.risk preferences, seatbelt usage, vehicle accidents, subjective well-being, happiness

Semantically Informed Multiview Surface Refinement

We present a method to jointly refine the geometry and semantic segmentation of 3D surface meshes. Our method alternates between updating the shape and the semantic labels. In the geometry refinement step, the mesh is deformed with variational energy minimization, such that it simultaneously maximizes photo-consistency and the compatibility of the semantic segmentations across a set of calibrated images. Label-specific shape priors account for interactions between the geometry and the semantic labels in 3D. In the semantic segmentation step, the labels on the mesh are updated with MRF inference, such that they are compatible with the semantic segmentations in the input images. Also, this step includes prior assumptions about the surface shape of different semantic classes. The priors induce a tight coupling, where semantic information influences the shape update and vice versa. Specifically, we introduce priors that favor (i) adaptive smoothing, depending on the class label; (ii) straightness of class boundaries; and (iii) semantic labels that are consistent with the surface orientation. The novel mesh-based reconstruction is evaluated in a series of experiments with real and synthetic data. We compare both to state-of-the-art, voxel-based semantic 3D reconstruction, and to purely geometric mesh refinement, and demonstrate that the proposed scheme yields improved 3D geometry as well as an improved semantic segmentation

Analysis of Paint Flow Pulsations during High-Speed Rotary Bell Atomization

High-speed rotary bell atomization is the preeminent coating technique in the automotive industry. It is widely accepted that a narrow droplet size distribution and constant spray are necessary in order to guarantee uniform film thickness and high-quality appearance. This may be deteriorated by paint flow pulsations. So far, however, no studies exist regarding such fluctuations quantitatively for this type of atomizers. We fill this gap using image analysis of high-speed recordings close to the bell edge. We could show that the fundamental pulsation frequency increases linearly with rotational speed. A ratio of pulsation frequency and true rotational speed of about 3 was found, indicating that pulsations were initiated mainly by the three struts of the distributor disc. The coefficient of variation, i.e., the amplitude of fluctuation increased with decreasing liquid volume rate and rotational speed. Beyond that, we could show that the formation of droplets larger than 100 μm, which are assumed to cause paint defects, is promoted by the degree of fluctuation. These findings may stimulate development of bell cups showing less paint flow pulsations

Calculating Milnor Numbers and Versal Component Dimensions from P-Resolution Fans

We use Altmann's toric fan description of P-resolutions to formulate a new description of deformation theory invariants for two-dimensional cyclic quotient singularities. In particular, we show how to calculate the dimensions of the (reduced) versal base space components as well as Milnor numbers of smoothings over them.Comment: 8 pages; 2 figures; v2 added section on Milnor numbers, reworked proof of dimension formula, new example, and new titl

Continuous cocrystallization of benzoic acid and isonicotinamide by mixing-induced supersaturation : exploring opportunities between reactive and antisolvent crystallization concepts

This study combines reactive and antisolvent crystallization concepts via mixing-induced supersaturation to demonstrate a wider range of options for solvent system selection in multicomponent crystallization. This approach was applied to investigate continuous crystallization of 1:1 and 2:1 cocrystals of benzoic acid and isonicotinamide. Design of Experiments was used to identify conditions where pure cocrystal phases are obtained and a continuous mixing-induced cocrystallization process was implemented to selectively produce either 1:1 or 2:1 cocrystals