Multivariable proportional-integral-plus (PIP) control of the ALSTOM nonlinear gasifier simulation

Multivariable proportional-integral-plus (PIP) control methods are applied to the nonlinear ALSTOM Benchmark Challenge II. The approach utilises a data-based combined model reduction and linearisation step, which plays an essential role in satisfying the design specifications. The discrete-time transfer function models obtained in this manner are represented in a non-minimum state space form suitable for PIP control system design. Here, full state variable feedback control can be implemented directly from the measured input and output signals of the controlled process, without resorting to the design and implementation of a deterministic state reconstructor or a stochastic Kalman filter. Furthermore, the non-minimal formulation provides more design freedom than the equivalent minimal case, a characteristic that proves particularly useful in tuning the algorithm to meet the Benchmark specifications. The latter requirements are comfortably met for all three operating conditions by using a straightforward to implement, fixed gain, linear PIP algorithm

Proportional-integral-plus control applications of state-dependent parameter models

This paper considers proportional-integral-plus (PIP) control of non-linear systems defined by state-dependent parameter models, with particular emphasis on three practical demonstrators: a microclimate test chamber, a 1/5th-scale laboratory representation of an intelligent excavator, and a full-scale (commercial) vibrolance system used for ground improvement on a construction site. In each case, the system is represented using a quasi-linear state-dependent parameter (SDP) model structure, in which the parameters are functionally dependent on other variables in the system. The approach yields novel SDP-PIP control algorithms with improved performance and robustness in comparison with conventional linear PIP control. In particular, the new approach better handles the large disturbances and other non-linearities typical in the application areas considered

Linearity of the Double Gas Electron Multiplier (DGEM) as an X-ray Fluorescence Detector

We have tested a 10 cm x 10 cm Double Gas Electron Multiplier (DGEM) fluorescence X-ray detector for linearity by making gradual decrease of the X-ray florescence entering the detectorobtained from a testsample. The X-ray fluorescence emitted by the sample and directed towards the detector is attenuated and transmitted byplacing multiple layers of identical Aluminum (Al) foil sheets on thedetector’s entrance window. The transmitted portion of the fluorescence passing through the Al foil layers ionizes the detecting gasand the ionized electrons are amplified by the DGEM. We have repeated the same experiment with no Al foils, and by adding one extra layer of identical Al foil for each separate scan up to five (5) foils. The normalized scans for a diluted prepared “Fe” sample, using Athena software, indicate that all the scans have good identical similarities. This shows that the DGEM detector is a linear detector with respect to the X-ray quantity reaching the DGEM detector. DOI: 10.17762/ijritcc2321-8169.15082

Sustainable agriculture in Egypt

Presented at the fifth international conference on irrigation and drainage, Irrigation and drainage for food, energy and the environment on November 3-6, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah.Includes bibliographical references.Water is characterized such as no alternative source can substitute it and it is not a commercial resource or commodity. The great challenge for the coming decades will be the task of increasing food production with less water particularly in basins with limited water resources. Molden et al. (2003) estimated that, by year 2020, approximately 75% of the world's population will live in areas experiencing physical or economic water scarcity. Most of these areas happen to be where most of the poor and food insecure people live. Meeting their food needs with locally produced food presents enormous challenge. Hence, the need is to increase water productivity of agricultural production systems in water scarce areas where the poor population is dependent on local production. Increasing the productivity in agriculture will play a vital role in easing competition for scarce resources, prevention of environmental degradation, and provision of food security. Crop water productivity depends on several factors including crop genetic material, water management practices, economic and policy incentives, and people's acceptance. In a broad sense, productivity of water refers to the benefits derived from the use of water and is most often given in terms of mass of product, or its monetary value, per unit of water. Therefore, the main goal of the current practical study is to assess water productivity for different crops, assist decision makers in developing sustainable agricultural policies for Egypt and maximize national water resources' productivity in different agricultural activities considering the supply and demand aspects and based on the efficient utilization of the water resource

Multiple Endodontic Guides for Root Canal Localization and Preparation in Furcation Perforations: A Report of Two Cases

Perforations are managed by surgical or nonsurgical approach depending on the relationship of the perforation site to the crestal bone level and attachment apparatus. Relocating the canal orifice or root canal close to the perforation site is quite challenging even with the aid of a dental operating microscope. In these two case reports, guided endodontics was applied in root canal localization and preparation in cases of furcation perforations. This is the report of two patients (42 and 15-year-old, respectively) who were referred for root canal treatment of the mandibular right first molar. The first case complained of pain on biting, foul odor, and bad taste. The referring dentist noted a furcation perforation and an inability to locate the mesial canals. Radiographic examination showed furcation radiolucency. Definitive diagnosis was symptomatic apical periodontitis. The second case complained of severe throbbing pain along with pain on biting. Mesial canals could not be detected due to a furcation perforation as noted by the referring dentist. Radiographic examination revealed a large furcation perforation and related bone resorption. Definitive diagnosis was acute apical abscess. In each case, a silicone impression of the mandibular arch was obtained and scanned along with cone-beam computed tomography scan to plan for localization and preparation of the mesiobuccal canals using implant planning software. Multiple guides were fabricated through rapid prototyping and allowed for the correct orientation and insertion of endodontic files through the canal. Canals were prepared and then obturated using warm vertical compaction technique and the perforation were repaired by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Six-month and one-year follow-ups revealed no symptoms and evidence of radiographic healing. Thus, multiple endodontic three-dimensional guides can be successful in root canal localization and preparation in cases of furcation perforations

Alcohol intake and mortality risk of COVID-19, pneumonia, and other infectious diseases: An analysis of 437191 UK biobank participants

This study aims to investigate the association between alcohol consumption and COVID-19, infectious diseases, and pneumonia mortality. This is a prospective analysis of 437,191 UK Biobank participants (age 56.3 years, 54% female). The main exposure was self-reported alcohol consumption. In addition to never and previous drinkers, we applied quartiles-based and UK guidelines-based criteria to divide current drinkers by weekly consumption into four groups. Outcomes included COVID-19, infectious diseases, and pneumonia mortality, obtained from the national death registries until May 2020. After an 11-year follow-up, compared to never drinkers, previous drinkers had higher mortality risks of infectious diseases and pneumonia (adjusted HR: 1.29 [95% CI 1.06–1.57] and 1.35 [1.07–1.70], respectively), but not COVID-19. There was a curvilinear association of alcohol consumption with infectious diseases and pneumonia mortality. Drinking within-guidelines (<14 UK units/wk) and amounts up to double the recommendation (14 to < 28 UK units/wk) was associated with the lowest mortality risks of infectious diseases (0.70 [0.59–0.83] and 0.70 [0.59–0.83], respectively) and pneumonia (0.71 [0.58–0.87] and 0.72 [0.58–0.88], respectively). Alcohol consumption was associated with lower risks of COVID-19 mortality (e.g., drinking within-guidelines: 0.53 [0.33–0.86]). Drinkers reporting multiples of the recommended alcohol drinking amounts did not have higher mortality risks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases than never drinkers. Despite the well-established unfavorable effects on general health, we found no deleterious associations between alcohol consumption and the risk of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Future research with other study designs is needed to confirm the causality

Web-Based Two-Way Electricity Monitoring System for Remote Solar Mini-Grids

This research article published by Modern Education and Computer Science Press, 2019Electricity usage monitoring systems play a vital role towards raising energy utilization awareness for consumers. Existing solar mini-grid infrastructure, however, lacks a user-friendly two-way platform to allow consumers to access information about electricity consumption. This paper proposes a cloud-based, two-way energy usage monitoring system that will allow both utility companies and consumers to access energy consumption data in a user-friendly way through a web platform. The system requirements were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and observations conducted at two solar mini-grids centres located at Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions in Tanzania. The system uses a Low Power Area Network (LPWAN) and the existing GPRS network to monitor electricity consumption data between smart meter units and the cloud server. Also, a virtual bill payment module and usage status feedback functionality have been integrated into the system to increase awareness of the cost-effective use of electricity and hence, achieve the sustainability of solar mini-grids. By using both white-box and black-box system testing approaches, findings show that the system will not only raise awareness among customers about the economical usage of electricity, but it can also be used by mini-grid companies as a source of data to determine current and future energy demands to minimize large investment costs