Thermal and performance analysis of a gasification boiler and its energy efficiency optimization

The purpose of this study was to determine a method for multi-parametric output regulation of a gasification boiler especially designed for heating or for hot water heating in buildings. A new method of regulation is offered, namely more parametric regulation via proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers that are capable of controlling the calculated values of pressure, temperature and fan speed. These values of pressure, temperature and fan speed are calculated in a completely new way, and calculations of setpoints for determination of optimal parameters lead to an increase in boilers efficiency and power output. Results of measurements show that changes at the mouth of the stack draft due atmospheric influences occur in times with high intensity and high frequency, while power parameters, or boiler power output amplitudes and fan speed automatically "copy" those changes proportionally due to instantaneous fan speed changes. The proposed method of regulation of the gasification boiler power output according to the technical solution enables a simple, cheap, express and continuous maintenance of high power output at low concentrations of the exhaust gases of the gasification boilers from the viewpoint of the boiler user, as well as from the perspective of development and production it allows a continuous control monitoring of these parameters.Web of Science107art. no. 106

Interactions of heterologous DNA with polyomavirus major structural protein, VP1

Abstract`Empty' polyomavirus pseudocapsids, self-assembled from the major structural protein VP1, bind DNA non-specifically and can deliver it into the nuclei of mammalian cells for expression [Forstová et al. (1995) Hum. Gene Ther. 6, 297–306]. Formation of suitable VP1-DNA complexes appears to be the limiting step in this route of gene delivery. Here, the character of VP1-DNA interactions has been studied in detail. Electron microscopy revealed that VP1 pseudocapsids can create in vitro at least two types of interactions with double-stranded DNA: (i) highly stable complexes, requiring free DNA ends, where the DNA is partially encapsidated; and, (ii) weaker interactions of pseudocapsids with internal parts of the DNA chain

Identification of Dynamics of Movement of the Differential Mobile Robotic Platform Controlled by Fuzzy Controller

Mobile robots with differential chassis are very often used because of simple construction and a smaller number of drive and sensors elements. For practical applications, it is necessary to know the kinematic and dynamic structure of the differential mobile robot. This paper deals with identification of the dynamics of the differential robotic platform, using differential kinematics. Electro-optical rpm sensors obtain required values such as speed of the driven wheels. Identification of dynamic system is used to determine the dynamic characteristics of power subsystem of developed EN 20 robot, whose control subsystem is created by single-chip microcontroller. Response of the dynamic system is monitored along with the peripheral velocity of the right and left drive wheels. Incremental encoders that work on optics principle measure the speeds of both wheels. It was necessary to calibrate the sensors and obtain constants for precise speed determination. The monitored system with the dumped oscillation characteristic is approximated by a system with the inertia of the 2nd order. Dynamic system parameters are found. The system approximation is suitable for given evolution of circumferential speeds of the right and left wheels. This is confirmed by the quantitative determination coefficients R2. The equations for calculating peripheral velocities of driving wheels are applied to the system of the differential equations for the differential chassis. A mathematical model of the mobile robot EN20 was obtained for testing control algorithms, where a robot is equipped with sensory systems and it is designed for interior conditions. Fuzzy controller with 49 interference rules is used to control the mobile robot. The real mobile robot path matches the path determined according to simulation model

A New Method of Semi-automated Measurement of Shear Friction Coefficient

The paper is intended for engineer laboratory teaching and measurements in production engineering. The aim is a new method of measuring using the semi-automated measuring set and presenting the results of static shear friction coefficients and kinetic shear friction coefficients, depending on the relatively low speeds of the uniform translational movement of the body. In the framework of a specific engineering task, the methodological questions concerning the interpretation of measurement results in the context of engineering physics and its teaching are solved

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition)

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, a key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process versus those that measure fl ux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process including the amount and rate of cargo sequestered and degraded). In particular, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation must be differentiated from stimuli that increase autophagic activity, defi ned as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (inmost higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium ) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the fi eld understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. It is worth emphasizing here that lysosomal digestion is a stage of autophagy and evaluating its competence is a crucial part of the evaluation of autophagic flux, or complete autophagy. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. Along these lines, because of the potential for pleiotropic effects due to blocking autophagy through genetic manipulation it is imperative to delete or knock down more than one autophagy-related gene. In addition, some individual Atg proteins, or groups of proteins, are involved in other cellular pathways so not all Atg proteins can be used as a specific marker for an autophagic process. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field

Marketing communication targeted at seniors

The master thesis deals with the potential of Czech seniors for Czech marketers. On the basis of secondary as well as primary researches the main elderly consumers' behavioral characteristics, their attitude to commercials and the best practise of communication mix are covered in the thesis. There is also the analysis of the practical example of communication campaign targeting at generation 55+, included its evaluation

The International Monetary Fund and its role in Financial crisis

This bachelor thesis analyses Fund's activity in financial crises and aims to review the effectiveness of the IMF. In the first part there is introduction of the IMF. Its structure, financial resources and instruments which are used in solution of crises are described. In the second part, there is analysis of Fund's role in the selected crisis of 90th - Mexican crisis, crisis in south-east Asia and crisis in Argentina. In analyses, there is always stated a characteristic of the crisis and then evaluation of the role of the IMF. Emphasis is placed on criticism that the IMF's measures have evoked. In the last chapter there is briefly stated the current financial crisis and Fund's participation in it. The thesis also outlines future development of the IMF

Marketing communication targeted at seniors

Diplomová práce se zabývá potenciálem českých seniorů pro marketingovou komunikaci. Na základě sekundárních i primárních výzkumů přibližuje základní charakteristické znaky spotřebitelského chování generace 55+, její vztah k reklamě a nastavení vhodného komunikačního mixu. V práci je také zanalyzován a následně zhodnocen praktický příklad marketingové kampaně na seniory firmy GlaxoSmithKline.The master thesis deals with the potential of Czech seniors for Czech marketers. On the basis of secondary as well as primary researches the main elderly consumers' behavioral characteristics, their attitude to commercials and the best practise of communication mix are covered in the thesis. There is also the analysis of the practical example of communication campaign targeting at generation 55+, included its evaluation

Evaluation of water needs of plants estimation basing on meteorological measurements

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