Concentration Set Point Research Articles

Dynamic Optimization of Solution Nutrient Concentration to Promote the Initial Growth of Tomato Plants in Hydroponics

In this study, a speaking plant-based optimal control system was proposed and applied to promote the initial growth of tomatoes in hydroponics. The control system consisted of a feedback control system and a decision system. The decision system consisting of neural networks and genetic algorithms was used to determine the optimal l-step set point of nutrient concentration which maximizes the initial growth of tomatoes. In the decision system, the growth rate of plant height to nutrient concentration was first identified using neural networks and then the optimal 6-step set points were determined through simulating the identified model using genetic algorithms. One step is 7 days. The optimal value (6-step set points) was 1.0 for the 1st step, 0.5 for the 2nd step, 0.8 for the 3rd step, 0.9 for the 4th step, 1.1 for the 5th step, and 1.2 dS m−1 for the 6th step during the initial growth stage. There was a significant reduction (0.5 dS m−1) in nutrient concentration in the second step and this significant reduction corresponds to nutrient stress. Actual plant growth for optimal control was about 1.15 times larger than that for conventional control. We suggest that this control technique is suitable for optimizing hydroponic cultivation processes and the control strategy, including nutrient stress application, is effective in promoting plant growth.

Searching the best operational strategies for Rhizopus oryzae lipase production in Pichia pastoris Mut+ phenotype: Methanol limited or methanol non-limited fed-batch cultures?

Two different operational strategies, methanol limited (MLFB) and methanol non-limited fed-batch (MNLFB) cultures, have been compared for the production of the recombinant Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL) expressed in Pichia pastoris Mut+ phenotype. Yields, productivities and specific production rate in all MLFB conditions were very low, obtaining the best results at the lower specific growth rates. Similar results were obtained for MNLFB strategy at methanol set-point concentrations up to 2gl−1. However, for methanol set-points higher than 2gl−1 a significant increase in the production was observed. Methanol set-point of 3gl−1 was the optimum to maximize product yield (YP/X), both volumetric and specific productivity and mean specific production rate (qP,mean), although in terms of ROL production high values were obtained in the range of 3–10gl−1. An inhibitory effect of methanol on cell growth as well as slowness on ROL production during early induction phase was observed at concentration of 10gl−1.

Reduction of aeration costs by tuning a multi-set point on/off controller: A case study

The objective of this work was to select the best configuration for a dissolved oxygen multi-set point on/off controller of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant to ensure the best dissolved oxygen concentration set-point values. The optimal set point values should allow the attainment of a good quality of effluent wastewater and minimise the operational costs related to the aeration process. To achieve this goal, simulation and optimisation software and off-line optimisation techniques were used. As a result of the optimisation of the dissolved oxygen controller, a more stable system was obtained. Because of the stability of the system, the quality of the effluent and activated sludge and the operating life of the aeration equipment was increased. Moreover, the aeration costs were reduced by approximately 17%.

The effect of shear on gravity thickening: Pilot scale modelling

Mathematical models are potentially a valuable tool for the prediction of continuous gravity thickener operation. However, experience shows that existing mathematical models underestimate dewatering in thickeners for flocculated feed materials when predictions are made of either the underflow solids concentration for a given solids feed flux density or the maximum solids feed flux density achievable for a minimum underflow solids concentration set point. One reason postulated for this discrepancy is shear enhancement of sedimentation and bed dewatering as a result of aggregate densification. This process is not taken into account in conventional 1-D thickener models. A pilot scale column, operated at low bed heights without the addition of mechanical shear, produced results that compared well with 1-D model predictions. The effect of mechanical shear and/or greater bed height was to significantly enhance thickener performance relative to model predictions (as measured by underflow density or maximum solids flux density achievable for a nominated underflow density). An experimental method was developed that enabled shear to be incorporated into the suspension dewatering characterisation. The results suggest an order of magnitude increase in solid flux density can be expected under controlled shear conditions with polymer flocculated aggregates. The results also indicate that mechanical shear is not the only factor that can enhance dewatering, since higher beds, and hence longer residence times, also improve the achievable solids flux density. This is despite the fact that the thickener is operating in a regime that is predicted to be limited by the sediment permeability and not its compressibility. This suggests an additional mechanism must be at play in full scale operation and points a direction for further experimentation.

Dynamics and Control Strategies for a Butanol Fermentation Process

In this work, mathematical modeling was employed to assess the dynamic behavior of the flash fermentation process for the production of butanol. This process consists of three interconnected units as follows: fermentor, cell retention system (tangential microfiltration), and vacuum flash vessel (responsible for the continuous recovery of butanol from the broth). Based on the study of the dynamics of the process, suitable feedback control strategies [single input/single output (SISO) and multiple input/multiple output (MIMO)] were elaborated to deal with disturbances related to the process. The regulatory control consisted of keeping sugar and/or butanol concentrations in the fermentor constant in the face of disturbances in the feed substrate concentration. Another objective was the maintenance of the proper operation of the flash tank (maintenance of the thermodynamic equilibrium of the liquid and vapor phases) considering that oscillations in the temperature in the tank are expected. The servo control consisted of changes in concentration set points. The performance of an advanced controller, the dynamic matrix control, and the classical proportional-integral controller was evaluated. Both controllers were able to regulate the operating conditions in order to accommodate the perturbations with the lowest possible alterations in the process outputs. However, the performance of the PI controller was superior because it showed quicker responses without oscillations.

Experimental setup of field lysimeters for studying effects of elevated ozone and below-ground pathogen infection on a plant-soil-system of juvenile beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

An experiment, focusing on the effects of chronically enhanced O3 regimes on young beech (Fagus sylvatica) and on the microbial rhizosphere community structure, was conducted from November 2002 to August 2006 in eight field lysimeters at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen. The instrumentations of the lysimeters enabled the establishment of the water balance in the unsaturated zone and the assessment of the water uptake by plants. Further, the containment provided by the lysimeters made it possible to apply a root rot pathogen infection without contaminating the surrounding soil. A free-air fumigation system allowed to double the O3 concentration in the air above four lysimeters relative to the ambient air. To avoid damage of the leaves the maximum O3 concentration was limited to 150 nL L−1. For nearly 70% of the time the set-point concentration was reached within 10%. In the final harvest the whole soil column was retrieved and a nearly complete data-set of above-ground and below-ground parameters became available.

Concomitant Adsorption and Desorption of Organic Vapor in Dry and Humid Air Streams using Microwave and Direct Electrothermal Swing Adsorption

Industrial gas streams can contain highly variable organic vapor concentrations that need to be processed before they are emitted to the atmosphere. Fluctuations in organic vapor concentrations make it more difficult to operate a biofilter when compared to a constant vapor concentration. Hence, there is a need to stabilize the concentration of rapidly fluctuating gas streams for optimum operation of biofilters. This paper describes new concomitant adsorption desorption (CAD) systems used with variable organic vapor concentration gas streams to provide the same gas stream, but at a user-selected constant vapor concentration that can then be more readily processed by a secondary air pollution control device such as a biofilter. The systems adsorb organic vapor from gas streams and simultaneously heat the adsorbent using microwave or direct electrothermal energy to desorb the organic vapor at a user-selected set-point concentration. Both systems depicted a high degree of concentration stabilization with a mean relative deviation between set-point and stabilized concentration of 0.3-0.4%. The direct electrothermal CAD system was also evaluated to treat a humid gas stream (relative humidity = 85%) that contained a variable organic vapor concentration. The high humidity did not interfere with CAD operation as water vapor did not adsorb but penetrated through the adsorbent These results are important because they demonstrate the ability of CAD to effectively dampen concentration fluctuation in gas streams.

Spinal cord mitochondria display lower calcium retention capacity compared with brain mitochondria without inherent differences in sensitivity to cyclophilin D inhibition

The mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) is a potential pathogenic mechanism in neurodegeneration. Varying sensitivity to calcium-induced mPT has been demonstrated for regions within the CNS possibly correlating with vulnerability following insults. The spinal cord is selectively vulnerable in e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and increased mPT sensitivity of mitochondria derived from the spinal cord has previously been demonstrated. In this study, we introduce whole-body hypothermia prior to removal of CNS tissue to minimize the effects of differential tissue extraction prior to isolation of spinal cord and cortical brain mitochondria. Spinal cord mitochondria were able to retain considerably less calcium when administered as continuous infusion, which was not related to a general increased sensitivity of the mPT to calcium, its desensitization to calcium by the cyclophilin D inhibitor cyclosporin-A, or to differences in respiratory parameters. Spinal cord mitochondria maintained a higher concentration of extramitochondrial calcium during infusion than brain mitochondria possibly related to an increased set-point concentration for calcium uptake. A hampered transport and retention capacity of calcium may translate into an increased susceptibility of the spinal cord to neurodegenerative processes involving calcium-mediated damage.

Nutrient Ingestion, Protein Intake, and Sex, but Not Age, Affect the Albumin Synthesis Rate in Humans 3

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of nutrient ingestion, dietary protein intake, age, and sex on the fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of albumin. Thirty-six healthy free-living individuals (8 females and 10 males aged 21–43 y and 9 females and 9 males aged 63–79 y) completed three 18-d periods of controlled feeding with protein intakes of 125% (P125, 1.00 g protein · kg−1 · d−1), 94% (P94, 0.75 g protein · kg−1 · d−1), and 63% (P63, 0.50 g protein · kg−1 · d−1) of the recommended dietary allowance. On d 12 of each trial, postabsorptive (PA) serum albumin concentration was determined and PA and postprandial (PP) albumin FSR were estimated from the rate of l-[1-13C] leucine incorporation into plasma albumin during an 8-h infusion. There were no age-related differences in PA and PP albumin FSR. Albumin FSR was higher PP than PA (P < 0.0001), and the increase in albumin FSR from PA to PP was smaller as dietary protein intake decreased from P125 to P94 and P63 (P < 0.05). Independent of protein intake, males had a higher albumin FSR (P < 0.05) and a greater increase in albumin FSR with feeding (P < 0.05). There was no age or dietary protein effect on serum albumin concentrations, but males had higher albumin concentrations than females (P < 0.0001). These results show that older persons are responsive to nutrient ingestion and dietary protein-related changes in albumin FSR. The greater albumin synthesis rate in males might contribute to a higher albumin concentration set point.

Sorbitol co-feeding reduces metabolic burden caused by the overexpression of a Rhizopus oryzae lipase in Pichia pastoris

To improve the specific production rate of Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL) in Pichia pastoris, a protein that triggers the unfolded protein response in P. pastoris, the effect of sorbitol/methanol mixed substrates was tested in batch and fed-batch cultures. Remarkably, a different substrate consumption behaviour was observed depending on the host's phenotype (Mut(+) or Mut(s)) in batch cultures: when the methanol assimilation capacity is genetically reduced (Mut(s) phenotype), both substrates were consumed simultaneously, allowing not only a higher specific growth rate but also higher lipase levels (8.7-fold) compared to those obtained by cells growing on methanol as a sole carbon source in batch culture. This effect was not observed in Mut(+) phenotype, where the two substrates were consumed sequentially and the levels of heterologous product were only slightly higher (1.7-fold). A mixed substrate strategy was also applied to a Mut(s) fed-batch culture at a low methanol concentration set-point (0.5 gl(-1)). This resulted in a 2.2-fold increase in the heterologous protein level achieved, compared with the methanol-only feeding strategy. In addition, sorbitol co-feeding permitted the achievement of higher specific growth rates, and avoided the drastic decrease of the specific production rate observed after the start of the induction phase when methanol was used as sole carbon source This resulted in a significant increase in the overall bioprocess volumetric productivity (2.2-fold) and specific productivity (1.7-fold). Moreover, whereas increased ROL gene dosage in Mut(s) strains have been previously reported to be deleterious for P. pastoris cells growing on methanol, sorbitol co-feeding allowed for sustained cell growth and lipase production.

Rapid Response Concentration-Controlled Desorption of Activated Carbon to Dampen Concentration Fluctuations

Fluctuations in concentration of organic vapors in gas streams that are treated by devices such as biofilters or oxidizers make it challenging to remove the vapors from the gas streams in an efficient and economic manner. Combining adsorption with concentration-controlled desorption provides an active buffer between the source of vapors and the control device for better control of concentration and flow rate of the gas stream that is treated by the secondary control device, hence further enhancing the performance or reducing the size of the devices. Activated carbon fiber cloth is used with microwave swing adsorption to remove methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from air streams and then provide a readily controllable feed stream of that vapor in air at a specified concentration and gas flow rate with steady-state tracking desorption. MEK was captured with >99.8% efficiency during the adsorption cycle. The MEK concentration during the regeneration cycle was readily controlled at concentration set-points between 170 and 5000 ppmv, within relative standard deviations of 1.8 and 4.9%, respectively, and at 20% of the gas flow rate that was treated during the adsorption cycle. Such capability of the system allows the secondary control device to be optimized for select constant concentrations and low gas flow rates that is not possible without such pretreatment.

A simple model‐based control for Pichia pastoris allows a more efficient heterologous protein production bioprocess

A predictive control algorithm coupled with a PI feedback controller has been satisfactorily implemented in the heterologous Rhizopus oryzae lipase production by Pichia pastoris methanol utilization slow (Mut(s)) phenotype. This control algorithm has allowed the study of the effect of methanol concentration, ranging from 0.5 to 1.75 g/L, on heterologous protein production. The maximal lipolytic activity (490 UA/mL), specific yield (11,236 UA/g(biomass)), productivity (4,901 UA/L . h), and specific productivity (112 UA/g(biomass)h were reached for a methanol concentration of 1 g/L. These parameters are almost double than those obtained with a manual control at a similar methanol set-point. The study of the specific growth, consumption, and production rates showed different patterns for these rates depending on the methanol concentration set-point. Results obtained have shown the need of implementing a robust control scheme when reproducible quality and productivity are sought. It has been demonstrated that the model-based control proposed here is a very efficient, robust, and easy-to-implement strategy from an industrial application point of view.

Influence of Annealing Temperature on ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Single and Multi-step Sol-gel Processes

ABSTRACTZnO thin films were prepared on borosilicate glass from both single- and multi- step coating deposition of a sol-gel prepared with anhydrous zinc acetate [Zn(C2H3O2)2], monoethanolamine [H2NC2H4OH ] and isopropanol. ZnO films prepared over a range of zinc acetate concentrations, for a fixed annealing temperature, showed that sol-gels prepared with a 0.3M zinc acetate concentration resulted in the formation of films with the greatest degree of c-axis orientation. In this study, a detailed investigation of the influence of process annealing temperature over the range 450 – 550°C on the microstructural, physical, electronic and optical properties of these single and multi-step ZnO thin films around this 0.3M zinc concentration set point is presented. X-ray analysis showed that all single-step deposition thin films were preferentially orientated along the [002] c-axis direction of the crystal. In contrast, only the multi-layer film annealed at 550°C showed similar preferential orientation. All single step deposited films showed a similar average optical transmittance above 87%, independent of annealing temperature. The transmittance of the multi-step films was shown to be strongly correlated to the degree of c-axis orientation. The optical band-gap energy was evaluated to be 3.298 – 3.316 eV for all samples. The photoluminescence spectra of the single layer ZnO films showed a strong emission centred at ca. 405 nm, which blue shifted with increasing annealing temperature. The multi-layer ZnO samples emitted throughout the UV and the visible range, with the samples prepared at 500 and 550°C showing the expected ZnO emission peak at 380 nm. Despite being thicker, the emission from the multi- layer samples was less than measured for the single layer samples. The effect of sol-gel annealing temperature and deposition process on film microstructure, morphology, electrical resistivity and optical transparency is detailed.

Higher vitellogenin concentrations in honey bee workers may be an adaptation to life in temperate climates

The honey bee originated in tropical Africa and later dispersed to northern Europe. It has been suggested that a higher hemolymph storage capacity for the glycolipoprotein vitellogenin evolved in temperate regions, and that the trait constitutes an adaptation to a strongly seasonal environment. We have investigated whether the relative vitellogenin levels of European and African honey bees are in accordance with this hypothesis. Our data indicate that European workers have a higher set-point concentration for vitellogenin compared to their African origin. Considered together with available life history information and physiological data, the results lend support to the view that “winter bees”, a longlived honey bee worker caste that survives winter in temperate regions, evolved through an increase in the worker bees’ capacity for vitellogenin accumulation.

Microgravity does not alter plant stand gas exchange of wheat at moderate light levels and saturating CO2 concentration

Plant stand gas exchange was measured nondestructively in microgravity during the Photosynthesis Experiment Subsystem Testing and Operations experiment conducted onboard the International Space Station. Rates of evapotranspiration and photosynthesis measured in space were compared with ground controls to determine if microgravity directly affects whole-stand gas exchange of Triticum aestivum. During six 21-day experiment cycles, evapotranspiration was determined continuously from water addition rates to the nutrient delivery system, and photosynthesis was determined from the amount of CO2 added to maintain the chamber CO2 concentration setpoint. Plant stand evapotranspiration, net photosynthesis, and water use efficiency were not altered by microgravity. Although leaf area was significantly reduced in microgravity-grown plants compared to ground control plants, leaf area distribution was not affected enough to cause significant differences in the amounts of light absorbed by the flight and ground control plant stands. Microgravity also did not affect the response of evapotranspiration to changes in chamber vapor pressure difference of 12-day-old wheat plant stands. These results suggest that gravity naïve plants grown at moderate light levels (300 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) behave the same as ground control plants. This implies that future plant-based regenerative life support systems can be sized using 1 g data because water purification and food production rates operate at nearly the same rates as in 1 g at moderate light levels. However, it remains to be verified whether the present results are reproducible in plants grown under stronger light levels.

Ventilation Control Strategy Using the Supply CO2 Concentration Setpoint

This paper proposes a new ventilation control strategy applied to multiple spaces subject to variable occupancy. The strategy specified for real-time, online ventilation control takes advantage of uninitiated air from some overventilated spaces to be used as fresh outdoor air in order to reduce system energy use while maintaining the indoor air quality (IAQ) in each space. This proposed strategy maintains a supply CO2 concentration setpoint low enough to dilute CO2 generated by full occupancy in critical zones. The supply CO2 concentration setpoint could be determined online using the monitored zone airflow rates. It is tested and evaluated by making comparisons with other known control strategies. An existing VAV system installed at the École de technologie supérieure is used to evaluate this new strategy. The outdoor air fraction and associated energy use of investigated ventilation control strategies are calculated using the VAV system component models that are developed and validated against the monitored data.

A sensitivity analysis of the fed-batch animal-cell bioreactor with respect to some control parameters.

Animal cell culture is widely used in the manufacture of valuable products, and this process is nowadays seeing a rapid expansion. The growth of animal cells is a complex process, because the cells are very sensitive to environmental changes (in, for example, nutrients, pH, temperature, oxygen and osmolarity) during this phase and to the toxic compounds produced by the cell itself. Ammonia and lactate are the two major waste materials of cell culture. They can have inhibitory effects on cell growth and product (monoclonal antibodies among others) formation. In order to model the behaviour of a fed-batch animal cell bioreactor producing monoclonal antibodies, it is necessary to use a complex kinetic model with optimal operating patterns ensuring high productivities. Good knowledge of such domains of operating parameters, together with the understanding of the response of this rather complex system to small modifications in the working conditions, are essential for on-line control to improve the quality of product and the yield of an animal cell culture. The present study focuses on the sensitivity analysis of a fed-batch animal cell bioreactor with respect to some candidate control parameters (substrate set-point concentrations, feeding time-step patterns and concentration of feeding solutions), emphasizing the influence of these on the overall performance of the system.

Effect of Set Point of NH4-N Concentration on pH Fluctuation in Ion Concentration Controlled Hydroponics in Cucumber

To establish an environment-friendly hydroponics system, the ion concentration control method for nutrient solution was developed.This demonstrated to be superior to the EC control method in respect to reduction of effluent and increase of yield. In this study, the technique for keeping a suitable pH value without using acid and/or alkali was examined; plants were cultivated under three concentrations of NH4-N. When the set point concentration of NH4-N was high, the pH value of nutrient solution fell rapidly after compensation of the component. However, when the set point of concentration of NH4-N was 5-8 mg l-1, the pH was rather stable. The pH value becomes stable when the ratio of NO3-N to NH4-N of nitrogen source is around 30 (total N: 120∼240 mg l-1). From the result of the comparative experiment on nutrient solution control methods on cucumber, it was suggested that new ideas on NH4-N supply should take into consideration of the ion concentration control method and that it includes not only set points of NH4-N concentration value but also the ratio of NH4-N to NO3 -N in the ion concentration.

Differential responds of prolactin secretion to hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia in healthy women and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the serum glucose concentration on prolactin secretion in healthy women and in PCOS patients and to analyse whether the set-point of glucose concentration at which changes occur is altered in PCOS patients. Prospective, controlled study. 8 women with PCOS and 20 healthy controls underwent a stepwise hyperglycaemic to hypoglycaemic hyperinsulinemic clamp experiment Patients were infused with insulin at a rate of 2,5 mU /min-1 × kg-1. After a hyperglycaemic state was obtained at a level of 8,8 mmol/l and maintained for 30 minutes the plasma glucose concentration was decreased stepwise. The plasma glucose was held constant for 30 minutes at a concentrations of 6,8 mmol/l, 4,8 mmol/l and 2,8 mmol/l. Blood was drawn every 15 minutes resulting in 3 prolactin levels on each glucose plateau of which the mean value was calculated. Fasting prolactin concentrations were significantly lower in PCOS patients compared to controls (10.3 ng/ml vs. 16.3 ng/ml, p<0.015). In controls prolactin levels decreased significantly by 23.8% compared to baseline during hyperglycaemia (p=0.045). With decreasing glucose concentrations prolactin levels increased gradually until reaching baseline levels at a glucose concentration of 2,8 mmol/l. In women with PCOS prolactin secretion remained at baseline levels during hyperglycaemia, while in increased significantly during hypoglycaemia reaching 151.2% of the baseline values at a glucose concentration of 2,8 mmol/l (p=0.002). PCOS patients had a higher body mass index (28.2±6.3 vs. 22.6±2.5, p=0.06), which was not statistically significant, but a significantly higher waist-to-hip-ratio (0.79±0.9 vs. 0.74±0.5, p=0.033) compared to control patients. There were no differences in serum lipid levels and in the fasting glucose concentration. In PCOS patients the glucose sensor seems to be altered. The decrease of prolactin secretion during hyperglycaemia observed in healthy controls is missing in PCOS patients. Even non-insulin resistant PCOS patients with normal fasting glucose concentrations might be adapted to hyperglycaemia. The hypoglycaemic state increases the prolactin secretion compared to fasting levels in PCOS patients. This reaction resembles the phenomena observed in type 2 diabetes as counterregulation to hypoglycaemia begins at normoglycaemic ranges in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

MODELING AND CONTROL FOR CLOSED ENVIRONMENT PLANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

A computer program was developed to study multiple crop production and control in controlled environment plant production systems. The program simulates crop growth and development under nominal and off-nominal environments. Time-series crop models for wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybean (Glycine max), and white potato (Solanum tuberosum) are integrated with a model-based predictive controller. The controller evaluates and compensates for effects of environmental disturbances on crop production scheduling. The crop models consist of a set of nonlinear polynomial equations, six for each crop, developed using multivariate polynomial regression (MPR). Simulated data from DSSAT crop models, previously modified for crop production in controlled environments with hydroponics under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, were used for the MPR fitting. The model-based predictive controller adjusts light intensity, air temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration set points in response to environmental perturbations. Control signals are determined from minimization of a cost function, which is based on the weighted control effort and squared-error between the system response and desired reference signal.