Sliding mode direct control of matrix converters

The direct control problem of matrix converters with input inductive capacitive (LC) filter using a new approach based on the sliding mode control technique is solved. This approach allows the design of the controller considering the converter and the dynamics of its associated LC filter. Together with the space vector representation technique, sliding mode allows the precise determination of switching times between the bi-directional switches, thus being appropriate to the nonlinear ON/OFF behaviour of the matrix converter power semiconductors. As the switching occurs just in time, this technique guarantees fast response times and precise control actions, ensuring that the output voltages and the input currents track their references and making input power factor regulation independent of the input filter parameters. This feature has special interest in applications requiring unity input power factor, when feeding AC drives, or applications needing variable and accurate input power factor regulation, usually related to power quality enhancement. The designed sliding mode controllers are tested and the obtained simulation and experimental results show that they ensure the direct control of matrix converters over a wide range of output frequencies, guaranteeing a leading or lagging input power factor regulation     

Influence of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ions on structural and magnetic properties of NiZn ferrites

The paper is devoted to the preparation of NiZn ferrite with small substitutions of copper by means of ceramic technology. The influence of small Cu substitution on the microstructural and magnetic properties of NiZn ferrites have been analysed by means of various experimental methods and interpreted from the point of view of preparation technology optimisation and possible applications of such materials. A strong correlation between the substituent content and resulting properties has been observed, thus allowing preparation of material with the properties tailored for any particular application.     

Off-Site Exposure to Respirable Aerosols Produced during the Disk-Incorporation of Class B Biosolids

Field experiments were conducted at a Class B biosolids land application site in central Arizona to measure, model, and source-track the off-site transport of aerosols emitted when biosolids were disk-incorporated into soils. Real-time PM10 monitoring provided time-resolved aerosol information sufficient for verifying both off-site concentration and off-site exposure time model results. Under the conditions considered and at a distance of 165?m from the aerosol source, biosolids disk-incorporation resulted in an intermittent exposure to biosolids-derived aerosol concentration between 15 and 40?μg/m3 and an inhalable biosolids dose between 2 and 8?μg. Transport modeling predicted that these doses will decrease with increasing wind speed. In addition, three DNA sequence-based biosolids source tracking methods were applied to aerosol samples and confirmed the presence of biosolids in aerosols at 5, 65, and 165?m from the aerosol source. Field measurements and modeling indicate that the nature of biosolids-derived aerosol exposure is a series of intermittent high concentration puffs, rather than a continuous low concentration.     

A note on the variance of rank-based selection strategies for genetic algorithms and genetic programming

This paper evaluates different forms of rank-based selection that are used with genetic algorithms and genetic programming. Many types of rank based selection have exactly the same expected value in terms of the sampling rate allocated to each member of the population. However, the variance associated with that sampling rate can vary depending on how selection is implemented. We examine two forms of tournament selection and compare these to linear rank-based selection using an explicit formula. Because selective pressure has a direct impact on population diversity, we also examine the interaction between selective pressure and different mutation strategies.     

Towards real CAD

Present-day computer-aided design (CAD) packages play only a small part in the area of mechanical engineering design, which involves the synthesis and embodiment of physical components to perform a pre-determined function without unwanted side effects. The computer cannot properly help the designer in this task until it is able to capture and process the function requirements of the design. This paper describes the computer system being developed for this purpose at the Engineering Design Centre at Cambridge University Engineering Department. The paper also explores some of the geometrical and programming implications raised.     

Epidemiology of hepatitis C and G in sporadic and familial porphyria cutanea tarda

From 1995 to 1997, we prospectively evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in 124 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) from Northern France (83 sporadic and 41 familial PCT). Serum samples were analyzed for ferritin, transaminases, HCV antibodies, and HCV RNA. In addition, genotyping of HCV and searches for HCV infection risk factors (blood transfusion, iv drug abuse, and surgical intervention) were performed. Twenty-six of 124 patients (21%; 95% CI: 13.9-28) were positive for serum HCV antibodies. All of them were also positive for HCV RNA. The prevalence of HCV infection was higher in the sporadic PCT group (26.5%, 22 out of 83) than in the familial PCT group (9.7%, 4 out of 41). Risk factors for hepatitis C infection were found to be significantly increased in the HCV-positive group when compared with the HCV-negative PCT group. In all HCV-positive patients with a risk factor, the suspected date of exposure to the virus always preceded the clinical onset of PCT. The HCV genotype pattern in PCT patients was similar to that observed in nonporphyric HCV patients in western European countries. Serum ferritin level was increased in both HCV-positive and HCV-negative porphyric patients. Transaminase levels were significantly higher in HCV-infected PCT patients. Sixty-seven out of 124 patients were retrospectively studied for hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection. Six of these 67 patients (8.9%; 95% CI: 2.1-15.8) were positive for HGV RNA. None of the six HGV-infected patients were positive for HCV RNA. The HGV-infected patients did not differ statistically from those without HGV infection with regard to age, ferritin, transaminase levels, and PCT treatment. These results support the view that sporadic cases of HGV infection may occur frequently. This study of a large cohort of HCV and PCT patients further documents an increasing gradient in HCV prevalence from northern to southern Europe, and shows that HCV infection acts as a triggering factor of PCT. Finally, the HGV prevalence found in the PCT patients was comparable with that found in French blood donors, suggesting that HGV is not a PCT triggering factor.     

Expression of recombinant antigens in Escherichia coli: application on immunochemical studies of Schistosoma mansoni tegumental antigens

Sm15 and Sm13 are recognized by antibodies from mice protectively vaccinated with tegumental membranes, suggesting a potential role in protective immunity. In order to raise antibodies for immunochemical investigations, the genes for these antigens were expressed in pGEX and pMal vectors so that comparisons could be made among different expression systems and different genes. The fusion proteins corresponding to several parts of the gene for the precursor of Sm15 failed in producing antibodies recognizing the parasite counterpart. On the other hand, antibodies raised against Sm13 MBP-fusion proteins recognized the 13 kDa tegumental protein. Thus the peculiarities of the gene of interest are important and the choice of the expression system must sometimes be decided on an empirical basis.