Automatic Instrumentation Research Articles

Detecção, diagnóstico e correções de falhas: Uma proposição consistente de definições e terminologias

ABSTRACT The increasing complexity of industrial systems and the consequent growth in instrumentation and process automation have given FDDC - Fault Detection, Diagnosis and Correction - systems an increasingly important role. This paper reflects on research into fault detection, diagnosis and correction through a critical analysis of the definitions and terminology used. The terminology and definitions that seem most appropriate for the research field, for its activities and for its object of study are proposed to conciliate the clash of visions of various authors, since this was not done yet by any work of literature. Furthermore, the most commonly studied industrial systems are highlighted as well as the most commonly used techniques in recent works with applications in these industrial problems. Keywords: Fault detection, diagnosis and correction; industrial processes; definitions; terminology.

Twilight reloaded: the peptide experience.

The de facto commoditization of biomolecular crystallography as a result of almost disruptive instrumentation automation and continuing improvement of software allows any sensibly trained structural biologist to conduct crystallographic studies of biomolecules with reasonably valid outcomes: that is, models based on properly interpreted electron density. Robust validation has led to major mistakes in the protein part of structure models becoming rare, but some depositions of protein-peptide complex structure models, which generally carry significant interest to the scientific community, still contain erroneous models of the bound peptide ligand. Here, the protein small-molecule ligand validation tool Twilight is updated to include peptide ligands. (i) The primary technical reasons and potential human factors leading to problems in ligand structure models are presented; (ii) a new method used to score peptide-ligand models is presented; (iii) a few instructive and specific examples, including an electron-density-based analysis of peptide-ligand structures that do not contain any ligands, are discussed in detail; (iv) means to avoid such mistakes and the implications for database integrity are discussed and (v) some suggestions as to how journal editors could help to expunge errors from the Protein Data Bank are provided.

Virtual Observation System for Earth System Model: An Application to ACME Land Model Simulations

Investigating and evaluating physical-chemical-biological processes within an Earth system model (EMS) can be very challenging due to the complexity of both model design and software implementation. A virtual observation system (VOS) is presented to enable interactive observation of these processes during system simulation. Based on advance computing technologies, such as compiler-based software analysis, automatic code instrumentation, and high-performance data transport, the VOS provides run-time observation capability, in-situ data analytics for Earth system model simulation, model behavior adjustment opportunities through simulation steering. A VOS for a terrestrial land model simulation within the Accelerated Climate Modeling for Energy model is also presented to demonstrate the implementation details and system innovations.

DNA Interactions Probed by Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange (HDX) Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry Confirm External Binding Sites on the Minichromosomal Maintenance (MCM) Helicase

The archaeal minichromosomal maintenance (MCM) helicase from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsoMCM) is a model for understanding structural and mechanistic aspects of DNA unwinding. Although interactions of the encircled DNA strand within the central channel provide an accepted mode for translocation, interactions with the excluded strand on the exterior surface have mostly been ignored with regard to DNA unwinding. We have previously proposed an extension of the traditional steric exclusion model of unwinding to also include significant contributions with the excluded strand during unwinding, termed steric exclusion and wrapping (SEW). The SEW model hypothesizes that the displaced single strand tracks along paths on the exterior surface of hexameric helicases to protect single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and stabilize the complex in a forward unwinding mode. Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance MS, we have probed the binding sites for ssDNA, using multiple substrates targeting both the encircled and excluded strand interactions. In each experiment, we have obtained >98.7% sequence coverage of SsoMCM from >650 peptides (5-30 residues in length) and are able to identify interacting residues on both the interior and exterior of SsoMCM. Based on identified contacts, positively charged residues within the external waist region were mutated and shown to generally lower DNA unwinding without negatively affecting the ATP hydrolysis. The combined data globally identify binding sites for ssDNA during SsoMCM unwinding as well as validating the importance of the SEW model for hexameric helicase unwinding.

Automation of the ITSM-1 instrument for measuring thermal conductivity of construction materials

Automation of the ITSM-1 instrument for measuring thermal conductivity of construction materials

Chemical approaches to angiogenesis in development and regeneration.

Vascular endothelial cells are essential building blocks of angiogenesis, which is required for normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. In this chapter, we describe how to use transgenic zebrafish embryos expressing vascular-specific green fluorescent protein to evaluate differentiation, growth, and morphogenesis of endothelial cells. When combined with instrument automation and computational analysis, this method allows high-throughput screening for biologically active small chemical molecules that are effective in promoting angiogenesis. These molecules can be validated in mammalian endothelial cell differentiation and proliferation assays. These studies provide new reagents and therapeutic candidates for regenerative medicine studies.

Measurement of the physical properties of the snowpack

AbstractThis paper reviews measurement techniques and corresponding devices used to determine the physical properties of the seasonal snowpack from distances close to the ground surface. The review is placed in the context of the need for scientific observations of snowpack variables that provide inputs for predictive hydrological models that help to advance scientific understanding of geophysical processes related to snow in the near‐surface cryosphere. Many of these devices used to measure snow are invasive and require the snowpack to be disrupted, thereby precluding the possibility for multiple measurements to be made at the same sampling location. Moreover, many devices rely on the use of empirical calibration equations that may not be valid at all geographic locations. The spatial density of observations with most snow measurement devices is often inadequate. There is a need for improved automation of snowpack measurement instrumentation with an emphasis on field‐based feedback of measurement validity in lieu of postprocessing of samples or data at a lab or office location. The scientific future of snow measurement instrumentation thereby requires a synthesis between science and engineering principles that takes into consideration geophysics and the physics of device operation.

Application-Guided Power Gating Reducing Register File Static Power

Power and energy efficiency are on the top priority list in embedded computing. Embedded processors taped out in deep submicron technology have a high contribution of static power to overall power consumption. At the same time, current embedded processors often include a large register file (RF) to increase performance. However, a larger RF aggravates the static power issues associated with technology shrinking. Therefore, approaches to improve static power consumption of large RFs are in high demand. In this paper, we introduce an application-guided function-level register file power-gating (AFReP) approach to efficiently manage and reduce the RF's static power consumption. The AFReP is an interplay of automatic binary analysis and instrumentation at function-level granularity supported by instruction-set architecture and microarchitecture extensions. The AFReP enables runtime power-gating of registers during unutilized periods, whereas applications can fully benefit from a large RF during utilized periods. To demonstrate the AFReP's potential for reducing static power consumption, we have enhanced a Blackfin processor with the AFReP technology. Using the AFReP, the RF static power is reduced on average by 64% and 39% for control and DSP applications, respectively. At the same time, the AFReP only induces a very minimal overhead of 0.4% and 0.6%.

Research of Software Test Technology in Airborne Software Based on GCC

It was researched that the aviation embedded airborne software testing , because of software quality and reliability assurance.In order to improve the efficiency of testing of airborne software, for airborne software features, this paper propose a method that achieves the coverage test and basic ways search taking compiler GCC technology to complete the program automatic instrumentation. The method leverages airborne software test process automation in terms of modifying compiler GCC to make instrumentation automatically.

An Automated Measurement Method for High Speed Serial Data Validation

A highly automated way for serial data validation is presented in this paper. The method is based on widely available Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) and low cost Personal Computer (PC). Instrument automation with data capturing and processing is demonstrated. The method is able to process large amount of high speed serial data. The validation procedure is shown in this paper; two instrument automation control protocols are described; data processing algorithm in Python language is also discussed.

Researching of efficiency of zeolite containing catalysts and their application in industrial synthesis of ethyl tertiary butyl ether in the contemporary context of JSC "Gazprom neftekhim Salavat"

The purpose of this article is researching of chemical process to get an octane–enhancing additive for gasoline by synthesis from ethanol and isobutene using zeolite catalysts. The isobutene are not in the pure state and are contained in the marketable butylene–butadiene fraction produced by JSC Gazprom neftekhim Salavat. This synthesis process proceeds in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts, so for this study authors used a laboratory unit which allows to accurately determine the qualitative performance of zeolite-containing acid catalysts under various parameters of the synthesis process which were as close as possible to industrial conditions. The high degree of process automation and application of precision instruments minimizes the influence of human factors on the accuracy of obtained results. The result of this research is establishment the dependant conversion of isobutene into ETBE from parameters of zeolite catalysts and process parameters of ETBE synthesis, such as pressure and temperature. The most effective zeolite-containing catalyst and conditions for the synthesis of ETBE were determined, which are optimal for this raw material and at the same time ensuring low energy consumption of the synthesis process and high yield of the desired product. For realization of the industrial process for production ETBE using zeolite-containing catalyst, the technological scheme was proposed. This scheme allows to return to the process the ethanol in a cheaper way compared to other existing extraction processes, and also allows to increase the purity of the desired product due to recycle of the ethanol–free hydrocarbons to the rectification zone.

Origin of PM10 Pollution Episodes in an Industrialized Mega-City in Central China

The origin of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) events in an industrialized mega-city of Central China (Wuhan) was investigated. Wuhan constitutes an ideal case scenario for the study of atmospheric pollution episodes, given that it is representative of densely populated and industrialized Chinese cities. Levels of PM10, NOx and SO2 were evaluated and automatic PM levels were corrected following EU-guidelines, aiming to achieve comparability with results from outside China (Europe and US). This correction evidenced that PM10 levels were underestimated with the automatic instrumentation by 26–38%. This correction is thus essential for the potential use of ambient PM data in epidemiological and climate studies within China and abroad. Several types of peak PM10 events were identified: winter pollution events (daily mean PM10 = 200–350 µg/m 3 ), Asian desert dust events (PM10 increments of 60–70 µg/m 3 on the daily means) and biomass burning episodes (scarce during the study period). Natural contributions are thus a significant PM source to be taken into account for the evaluation of air quality in the area, the application of daily or annual limit values and the potential assessment of the data from an epidemiological point of view. In addition, the influence of the Wuhan pollution plume was detected in the Mulanhu regional site, which is 40 km far from the city, underlining the large area of influence of atmospheric pollution from Wuhan on the regional-scale. Finally, the results from this work evidence that a detailed knowledge of PM episodes and sources at a given site may be obtained by means of relatively straightforward and economic routine measurements (PM10, NO2, SO2).

Water Environment Monitoring System Based on Data Extraction - Transmission and Processing

The current paper describes a water environment monitoring system, which is focused on the online monitoring techniques of groundwater detection, data process and transmission, a local experiment equipment is also developed. Besides, an integrated study, in terms of host computer of the groundwater monitoring system, programmable logic controller (PLC) control system and sensor technology is carried out. Moreover, the secondary data process of automatic detection instrumentation and display technology is integrated, as well as the visualized data platform is primarily established. The water environment monitoring system improves the standard of monitoring indicators from the surface water environment to groundwater environment. The detection interval of the system is less than 3min, and the pollution forecast scope surpasses 16 km2. A high accuracy of the forecasting and risk analysis can be obtained.

Problems of instrumental support for the development of distributed embedded real-time systems

Distributed embedded real-time systems (DRTESs) are classified among objects that are complex in their development and crucial in their use. The problems of Instrumental Support and automation of development of DRTESs are still actual, even after more than 40 years of research. This paper refine the notion of DRTES. The shortcomings of traditional approaches to the design of DRTESs are considered and a model-oriented approach to the design is formulated. A concept of the instrumental environment supporting this approach has been proposed. Basic problems to be addressed when building such an environment are formulated. The current state of the art in solving these problems is described.

Health Technology Assessment of Computer-Assisted Pap Test Screening in Italy

Objective: To assess the introduction of computer-assisted Pap test screening in cervical cancer screening. Various scenarios are considered: conventional and liquid-based cytology (LBC) slides, fully automatic instrumentation (Becton Dickinson FocalPoint™ Slide Profiler and Hologic ThinPrep® Imaging System), and semiautomatic scanner (Hologic Integrated Imager I-Squared). Methods: A working group was formed that included researchers from the largest centers already using instrumentation. A questionnaire on laboratory management and on social/ethical issues and annual workload was proposed. Prices for the technology were obtained directly from the producers; costs were calculated from observed and literature data. The scope of the report and final draft were submitted to a consulting committee of stakeholders. Results: The break-even point was found to be 49,000 cases/year, if conventional slides were used, while it was near the theoretical maximum capacity, 70,000 cases/year, with LBC slides. Efficiency increased with the volume of slides. Screening time decreased by two thirds for conventional slides and by less than half for LBC slides. Acceptance of the instrumentation by the users was good. Conclusions: Computer-assisted screening may increase productivity even if in most situations it will mean additional costs. Furthermore, primary screening with human papillomavirus tests will drastically reduce the need for Pap test reading.

CONCURRIT

We present CONCURRIT, a domain-specific language (DSL) for reproducing concurrency bugs. Given some partial information about the nature of a bug in an application, a programmer can write a CONCURRIT script to formally and concisely specify a set of thread schedules to explore in order to find a schedule exhibiting the bug. Further, the programmer can specify how these thread schedules should be searched to find a schedule that reproduces the bug. We implemented CONCURRIT as an embedded DSL in C++, which uses manual or automatic source instrumentation to partially control the scheduling of the software under test. Using CONCURRIT, we were able to write concise tests to reproduce concurrency bugs in a variety of benchmarks, including the Mozilla's SpiderMonkey JavaScript engine, Memcached, Apache's HTTP server, and MySQL.

AB0796 Clinical picture of anti-jo-1 positive anti-synthetase syndrome at presentation and during follow-up

BackgroundAnti-synthetase syndrome (AS) is a connective tissue disease characterized by myositis, arthritis, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the presence of anti-synthetase antibodies, mostly anti-Jo-1. Patients with an incomplete form of...

A policy-based approach for strong mobility of composed Web services

This paper presents a flexible, portable, and transparent solution for strong mobility of composed Web services relying on policy-oriented techniques. The proposed approach provides a checkpoint solution based on automatic code instrumentation using correct source code transformation rules. This checkpoint technique permits to save the execution state of a mobile orchestration process as well as the execution states of its orchestrated partners. Thus, after migration, only non-executed codes will be resumed. In addition, our approach enables dynamic adaptation of the employed checkpointing and mobility techniques using aspects. For that, we use policies allowing dynamic selection of the used checkpointing and mobility techniques according to the execution context. Moreover, the proposed solution includes a module allowing the determination of the checkpointing interval satisfying QoS requirements. Experimentations show the efficiency of the proposed solution.

Autonomous distributed temperature sensing for long-term heated applications in remote areas

Abstract. Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is a fiber-optical method enabling simultaneous temperature measurements over long distances. Electrical resistance heating of the metallic components of the fiber-optic cable provides information on the thermal characteristics of the cable's environment, providing valuable insight into processes occurring in the surrounding medium, such as groundwater–surface water interactions, dam stability or soil moisture. Until now, heated applications required direct handling of the DTS instrument by a researcher, rendering long-term investigations in remote areas impractical due to the often difficult and time-consuming access to the field site. Remote control and automation of the DTS instrument and heating processes, however, resolve the issue with difficult access. The data can also be remotely accessed and stored on a central database. The power supply can be grid independent, although significant infrastructure investment is required here due to high power consumption during heated applications. Solar energy must be sufficient even in worst case scenarios, e.g. during long periods of intense cloud cover, to prevent system failure due to energy shortage. In combination with storage batteries and a low heating frequency, e.g. once per day or once per week (depending on the season and the solar radiation on site), issues of high power consumption may be resolved. Safety regulations dictate adequate shielding and ground-fault protection, to safeguard animals and humans from electricity and laser sources. In this paper the autonomous DTS system is presented to allow research with heated applications of DTS in remote areas for long-term investigations of temperature distributions in the environment.

Techniques, tools and best practices for ligand electron-density analysis and results from their application to deposited crystal structures

As a result of substantial instrumental automation and the continuing improvement of software, crystallographic studies of biomolecules are conducted by non-experts in increasing numbers. While improved validation almost ensures that major mistakes in the protein part of structure models are exceedingly rare, in ligand-protein complex structures, which in general are most interesting to the scientist, ambiguous ligand electron density is often difficult to interpret and the modelled ligands are generally more difficult to properly validate. Here, (i) the primary technical reasons and potential human factors leading to problems in ligand structure models are presented; (ii) the most common categories of building errors or overinterpretation are classified; (iii) a few instructive and specific examples are discussed in detail, including an electron-density-based analysis of ligand structures that do not contain any ligands; (iv) means of avoiding such mistakes are suggested and the implications for database validity are discussed and (v) a user-friendly software tool that allows non-expert users to conveniently inspect ligand density is provided.