Adaptive neural network fuzzy inference system for HFC processes

The paper presents the design and implementation of a fuzzy inference system (FIS) trained with adaptive neural networks for the generation of specification references in high frequency current (HFC) hardening processes. The specification references are then further used for the control of the process in obtaining the desired outcomes in terms of material hardening and resistance. The FIS is trained using data obtained from experimentation on an industrial HFC device. The trained FIS is then compared to a manually tuned FIS, resulting from expert and operator designs. The results led to the development of intelligent control interfaces in real time through the ANFIS method

Determination of Silver(I) by Differential Pulse Voltammetry Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Synthesized N-(2-Aminoethyl)-4,4′-Bipyridine

A new modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) based on a synthesized N-(2-aminoethyl)-4,4′-bipyridine (ABP) was developed for the determination of Ag(I) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). ABP was covalently immobilized on GC electrodes surface using 4-nitrobenzendiazonium (4-NBD) and glutaraldehyde (GA). The Ag(I) ions were preconcentrated by chemical interaction with bipyridine under a negative potential (−0.6 V); then the reduced ions were oxidized by differential pulse voltammetry and a peak was observed at 0.34 V. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range from 0.05 μM to 1 μM Ag(I) with a detection limit of 0.025 μM and RSD = 3.6%, for 0.4 μM Ag(I). The presence of several common ions in more than 125-fold excess had no effect on the determination of Ag(I). The developed sensor was applied to the determination of Ag(I) in water samples using a standard addition method

Grape by-Products: Potential Sources of Phenolic Compounds for Novel Functional Foods

Grapes occupy an important position in the human diet, providing both macronutrients and micronutrients indispensable for growth and development. Grapes contain enzymatic and non-enzymatic (nutritional) antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid and bioflavones. High amounts of these valuable compounds are removed through processing, when the skin and the seeds are separated from the pulp. During the vinification process, a large amount of grape pomace is generated that constitutes an important source of value-added products such as phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes. Valorization of wine industry by-products like grape pomace is a suitable strategy for recovering bioactive compounds (mainly polyphenols) and reducing the environmental impact of this industrial waste. The circular bioeconomy refers to maintaining the value of the biological resources in economy for as long as possible, minimizing the waste production. Recovery and utilization of pomace from grape process favors closing the loop to ensure the abovementioned circularity. The experimental screening performed was designed to assess several indices of the polyphenolic composition of several grape byproducts (pomace, steams, and skin and seed mixture), such as total polyphenolic content, total flavonoid content, and their antioxidant activity, for two white grape Romanian varieties (i.e., Fetească Albă and Tămâioasă Românească)

Romanian Organic and Conventional Red Grapes Vineyards as Potential Sources of High Value-Added Products, in a Circular Economy Approach

The use of natural ingredients with active functions has been intensively studied in the last years, as a consequence to consumer preferences for organic products. Application of circular economy principles determined a significant research activity in the viticulture field. The use or re-use of vines parts for so-called nutraceuticals or other consumer-goods applications, are basically centered on their phytochemical and microbiological characterization. Eurostat updates ranks Romania fifth among the EU member states, with a total area under vines of 183,717 hectares. Characterization of four Vitis vinifera L. varieties, out of which one pure Romanian variety (Feteasca Neagra), cultivated in organic and conventional vineyards, together with pedoclimatic conditions have been provided. Data on phytochemical parameters and antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from different anatomic parts of grapes were included. Analytical protocols and techniques applied were presented, together with data and results interpretation. Several chemometric algorithms have been used as complementary tools for interpretation of the instrumental analytical data

Infarct Location and Sleep Apnea: Evaluating the Potential Association in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background: The literature about the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and stroke location is conflicting with some studies finding an association and others demonstrating no relationship. Among acute ischemic stroke patients, we sought to examine the relationship between stroke location and the prevalence of OSA; OSA severity based on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), arousal frequency, and measure of hypoxia; and number of central and obstructive respiratory events. Methods: Data were obtained from patients who participated in a randomized controlled trial (NCT01446913) that evaluated the effectiveness of a strategy of diagnosing and treating OSA among patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. Stroke location was classified by brain imaging reports into subdivisions of lobes, subcortical areas, brainstem, cerebellum, and vascular territory. The association between acute stroke location and polysomnographic findings was evaluated using logistic regression for OSA presence and negative binomial regression for AHI. Results: Among 73 patients with complete polysomnography and stroke location data, 58 (79%) had OSA. In unadjusted models, no stroke location variable was associated with the prevalence or severity of OSA. Similarly, in multivariable modeling, groupings of stroke location were also not associated with OSA presence. Conclusions: These results indicate that OSA is present in the majority of stroke patients and imply that stroke location cannot be used to identify a group with higher risk of OSA. The results also suggest that OSA likely predated the stroke. Given this high overall prevalence, strong consideration should be given to obtaining polysomnography for all ischemic stroke patients

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea in Patients With Acute Cerebrovascular Disease

Background Obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ) is common among patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. We evaluated whether continuous positive airway pressure for OSA among patients with recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack improved clinical outcomes. Methods and Results This randomized controlled trial among patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack compared 2 strategies (standard or enhanced) for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA versus usual care over 1 year. Primary outcomes were National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale scores. Among 252 patients (84, control; 86, standard; 82, enhanced), OSA prevalence was as follows: control, 69%; standard, 74%; and enhanced, 80%. Continuous positive airway pressure use occurred on average 50% of nights and was similar among standard (3.9±2.1 mean hours/nights used) and enhanced (4.3±2.4 hours/nights used; P=0.46) patients. In intention-to-treat analyses, changes in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale scores were similar across groups. In as-treated analyses among patients with OSA, increasing continuous positive airway pressure use was associated with improved National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (no/poor, -0.6±2.9; some, -0.9±1.4; good, -0.3±1.0; P=0.0064) and improved modified Rankin Scale score (no/poor, -0.3±1.5; some, -0.4±1.0; good, -0.9±1.2; P=0.0237). In shift analyses among patients with OSA, 59% of intervention patients had best neurological symptom severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 0-1) versus 38% of controls ( P=0.038); absolute risk reduction was 21% (number needed to treat, 4.8). Conclusions Although changes in neurological functioning and functional status were similar across the groups in the intention-to-treat analyses, continuous positive airway pressure use was associated with improved neurological functioning among patients with acute ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack with OS