Probabilistic neural network to predict cracks in taphole mud used in blast furnaces

One of the major problems facing Blast Furnaces is the occurrence of cracks in taphole mud, as the underlying causes are not easily identifiable. The absence of this knowledge makes it difficult the use of conventional techniques for predictability and mitigation. This paper will address the application of Probabilistic Neural Network using the Matlab software as a means to detect and control such cracks. The most relevant BF operational variables were picked through the statistic tool "Principal Component Analysis - PCA." Based upon the selection of these variables a probabilistic neural network was built. A set of BF operational data, consisting of 30 controlling variables, was divided into 2 groups, one of which for network training, and the other one to validate the neural network. The neural network got 98% of the cases right. The results show the effectiveness of this tool for crack prediction in relation to clay intrinsic properties and as a result of the fluctuation in operational variables.

Growth of silver nano-particle embedded in tellurite glass: Interaction between localized surface plasmon resonance and Er3+ ions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Transient non-Darcy forced convective heat transfer from a flat plate embedded in a fluid-saturated porous medium

Transient non-Darcy forced convection on a flat plate embedded in a porous medium is investigated using the Forchheimer-extended Darcy law. A sudden uniform pressure gradient is applied along the flat plate, and at the same time, its wall temperature is suddenly raised to a high temperature. Both the momentum and energy equations are solved by retaining the unsteady terms. An exact velocity solution is obtained and substituted into the energy equation, which then is solved by means of a quasi-similarity transformation. The temperature field can be divided into the one-dimensional transient (downstream) region and the quasi-steady-state (upstream) region. Thus the transient local heat transfer coefficient can be described by connecting the quasi-steady-state solution and the one-dimensional transient solution. The non-Darcy porous inertia works to decrease the velocity level and the time required for reaching the steady-state velocity level. The porous-medium inertia delays covering of the plate by the steady-state thermal boundary layer. © 1990.

Detection of estrogen receptor in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded breast carcinoma: correlation with histological patterns.

The authors studied the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) in tissues of breast carcinomas which were previously fixed in formalin and paraffin-embedded. The ER expression was correlated with several histological findings, namely grade of differentiation, tumor necrosis, desmoplasia, lymphocytic infiltration and elastosis. The ER was detected in tissues using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique associated with the H222 monoclonal antibody from Abbott. All 39 biopsies were of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast and 16 of them expressed ER. The statistical analysis showed that the expression of ER was correlated with histological findings of good prognosis as well differentiated carcinomas, no tumor necrosis, absence or mild lymphocytic infiltration around the tumor cells and severe elastosis.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: Correlation with working formulation and Kiel classification in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material

PCNA is a 36-KD proliferating cell nuclear antigen associated with the cell cycle. The immunocytochemical detection of PCNA represents a useful tool for the study of tumor proliferation activity. This study documents the detection of PCNA, using antibody PC 10 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, and correlates the proliferative activity of the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) with histological grading assessed by the International Working Formulation (WF) and Kiel classification. In 92 cases of NHLs we found a strong correlation between the PCNA index and lymphoma grading. Statistically significant differences were also found between the proliferative index (PI) in low and high grade lymphomas according to the Kiel classification (t = 9.519; p < 0.001) and between low, intermediate and high grade lymphomas according to the WF classification (F = 79.01; p < 0.001). In the Kiel classification the mean of low grade lymphomas was 39.5% and of high grade 75.7%. In the WF the average of low grade lymphomas was 29.7%, intermediate 53.1% and high 75.1%. Although the differences among the groups had been significant, we found variations inside each histological subgroup in both classifications. The intermediate lymphomas were the most heterogeneous group, with PI inside the same histologic subtypes coincident with low and high grade lymphomas. Since PCNA may be used as a marker of cell proliferation in clinical studies to estimate the biological aggressiveness of lymphomas, its determination in intermediate grade NHL could be very useful to evaluate individual cases in this group and determine prognosis and probably the appropriate therapy.

Rare earth doped HfO2 nanoparticles embedded in SiO2-HfO2 planar waveguides. Preparation, optical, structural and spectroscopic characterization

In this work we present results on the preparation of planar waveguides based on HfO2 and HfO2-SiO2. Stable sols containing europium and erbium doped HfO2 nanoparticles have been prepared and characterized. The nanosized sol was either deposited (spin-coating) on quartz substrates or embedded in (3-glycidoxipropil)trimethoxisilane (GPTS) used as a hybrid host for posterior deposition. The refractive index dispersion and luminescence characteristics were determined for the resulting HfO2 films. The optical parameters of the waveguides such as refractive index, thickness and propagation losses were measured for the hybrid composite. The planar waveguides present thickness of a few micra and support well confined propagating modes.

Investigation into the impact of embedded generators on distribution system performance using theorem of superposition

Since the 1980s, huge efforts have been made to utilise renewable energy sources to generate electric power. One of the interesting issues about embedded generators is the question of optimal placement and sizing of the embedded generators. This paper reports an investigation of impact of the integration of embedded generators on the overall performances of the distribution networks in the steady state, using theorem of superposition. Set of distribution system indices is proposed to observe performances of the distribution networks with embedded generators. Results obtained from the case study using IEEE test network are presented and discussed.

Back to school with tablets embedded in digital desks

A digital-desk pilot program, named One Laptop Per Child (OPLC), in Brazil uses a unique display design to provide an interactive interface developed to enhance education and minimize ergonomic concerns. The one-to-one computer strategy as proposed by Nicholas Negroponte is a way of circumventing the tragedy of the locked computer lab because it gives children full access to computers anytime. The OLPC program has focused on a solution that minimizes power consumption, which also limits the display's maximum size and processor performance because the LCD backlights are responsible for a significant part of the power consumption in laptops. The government has also developed a new type of low-cost tablet that is based on a resistive principle. High transparencies can be obtained in the 90% range in the tablet, while robustness is guaranteed by the outstanding tribological characteristics of Sn02 on glass.

Network node with wireless and wired interfaces: Nios II processor and uClinux to development of a NCAP embedded (IEEE 1451.1) with two interfaces, wireless (IEEE 1451.5) and wired (IEEE p1451.2)

This paper presents a NCAP embedded on DE2 kit with Nios II processor and uClinux to development of a network gateway with two interfaces, wireless (ZigBee) and wired (RS232) based on IEEE 1451. Both the communications, wireless and wired, were developed to be point-to-point and working with the same protocols, based on IEEE 1451.0-2007. The tests were made using a microcomputer, which through of browser was possible access the web page stored in the DE2 kit and send commands of control and monitoring to both TIMs (WTIM and STIM). The system describes a different form of development of the NCAP node to be applied in different environments with wired or wireless in the same node. © 2011 IEEE.

Modeling the growth of LT and TL-oriented fatigue cracks in longitudinally and transversely pre-strained Al 2524-T3 alloy

The aluminum alloy 2524 (Al-Cu-Mg) was developed during the 90s mainly to be employed in aircraft fuselage panels, replacing the standard Al 2024. In the present analysis the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of 2524-T3 was investigated, regarding the influence of three parameters: load ratio, pre strain and crack plane orientation of the material. The pre strain of aluminum alloys is usually performed in order to obtain a more homogeneous precipitates distribution, accompanied by an increase in the yield strength. In this work, it was evaluated the resistance of Al 2524-T3 sheet samples to the fatigue crack growth, having L-T and T-L crack orientations. FCG tests were performed under constant amplitude loading at three distinct positive load ratios. The three material conditions were tested: as received(AR), pre strained longitudinally (SL) and transversally (ST) in relation to rolling direction. In order to describe FCG behavior, two-parameter kinetic equations were compared: a Paris-type potential model and a new exponential equation introduced in a previous work conducted by our research group. It was observed that the exponential model, which takes into account the deviations from linearity presented by da/dN versus AK data, describes more adequately the FCG behavior of Al 224-T3 in relation to load ratio, pre strain effects and crack plane orientation. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Design of microprogrammed controllers with address converter implemented on programmable systems with embedded memories

In the paper the improvement of a traditional structure of a microprogrammed controller with sharing codes is discussed. The idea is based on the modification of internal modules and connections of the device. Such a solution permits to reduce the number of embedded memories needed for implementation of the microprogrammed controller on programmable structures, especially FPGAs. © 2011 IEEE.

Influência de protocolos de jateamento na rugosidade da superfície de uma cerâmica de zircônia tetragonal parcialmente estabilizada por ítria

Objective: To evaluate the influence of different air abrasion protocols on the surface roughness of an yttria-stabilized polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia) (Y-TZP) ceramic, as well as the surface topography of the ceramic after the treatment. Method: Fifty-four specimens (7.5×4×7.5mm) obtained from two ceramic blocks (LAVA, 3M ESPE) were flattened with fine-grit sandpaper and subjected to sintering in the ceramic system's specific firing oven. Next, the specimens were embedded in acrylic resin and the surfaces to be treated were polished in a polishing machine using sandpapers of decreasing abrasion (600- to 1,200-grit) followed by felt discs with 10μm and 3μm polishing pastes and colloidal silica. The specimens were then randomly assigned to 9 groups, according to factors particle and pressure(n=6): Gr1- control; Gr2- Al 2O 3(50μm)/2.5 bar; Gr3- Al 2O 3(110μm)/2.5 bar; Gr4- SiO 2(30μm)/2.5 bar; Gr5- SiO 2(30μm)/2.5 bar; Gr6- Al 2O 3(50μm)/3.5 bar; Gr7- Al2O3(110μm)/3.5 bar; Gr8- SiO 2(30μm)/3.5 bar; Gr9- SiO 2(30μm)/3.5 bar. After treatments, surface roughness was analyzed by a digital optical profilometer and the morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data (μm) were subjected to statistical analysis by Dunnett's test (5%), two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). Results: The type of particle (p=0.0001) and the pressure (p=0.0001) used in the air abrasion protocols influenced the surface roughness values among the experimental groups (ANOVA). The mean surface roughness values (μm) obtained for the experimental groups (Gr2 to Gr9) were, respectively: 0.37 D; 0.56 BC; 0.46 BC; 0.48 CD; 0.59 BC; 0.82 A; 0.53B CD; 0.67 AB. The SEM analysis revealed that Al 2O 3, regardless of the particle size and pressure used, caused damage to the surface of the specimens, as it produced superficial damages on the ceramic, in the form of grooves and cracks. Conclusion: Al2O3 (110 μm/3.5 bar) air abrasion promoted the highest surface roughness on the ceramics, but it does not mean that this protocol promotes better ceramic-cement union compared to the other air abrasion protocols.

NCAP embedded using structured programming

This paper presents a network node embedded based on IEEE 1451 standard developed using structured programming to access the transducers in the WTIM. The NCAP was developed using Nios II processor and uClinux, a embedded operating system developed to features restricted hardware. Both hardware and software have dynamics features and they can be configured based in the application features. Based in this features, the NCAP was developed using the minimum components of hardware and software to that being implemented in remote environment like central point of data request. Many NCAP works are implemented with an object oriented structure. This is different from the surrounding implementations. In this project the NCAP was developed using structured programming. The tests of the NCAP were made using a ZigBee interface between NCAP and WTIM and the system demonstrated in areas of difficult access for long period of time due to need for low power consumption. © 2012 IEEE.

Development of an instrumentation system embedded on FPGA for real time measurement of mechanical vibrations in rotating machinery

The real-time monitoring of events in an industrial plant is vital, to monitor the actual conditions of operation of the machinery responsible for the manufacturing process. A predictive maintenance program includes condition monitoring of the rotating machinery, to anticipate possible conditions of failure. To increase the operational reliability it is thus necessary an efficient tool to analyze and monitor the equipments, in real-time, and enabling the detection of e.g. incipient faults in bearings. To fulfill these requirements some innovations have become frequent, namely the inclusion of vibration sensors or stator current sensors. These innovations enable the development of new design methodologies that take into account the ease of future modifications, upgrades, and replacement of the monitored machine, as well as expansion of the monitoring system. This paper presents the development, implementation and testing of an instrument for vibration monitoring, as a possible solution to embed in industrial environment. The digital control system is based on an FPGA, and its configuration with an open hardware design tool is described. Special focus is given to the area of fault detection in rolling bearings. © 2012 IEEE.

The embodied embedded character of system 1 processing

In the last thirty years, a relatively large group of cognitive scientists have begun characterising the mind in terms of two distinct, relatively autonomous systems. To account for paradoxes in empirical results of studies mainly on reasoning, Dual Process Theories were developed. Such Dual Process Theories generally agree that System 1 is rapid, automatic, parallel, and heuristic-based and System 2 is slow, capacity-demanding, sequential, and related to consciousness. While System 2 can still be decently understood from a traditional cognitivist approach, I will argue that it is essential for System 1 processing to be comprehended in an Embodied Embedded approach to Cognition.© MSM 2013.