Concentration Prediction of Total Flavonoids in Aurantii Fructus Extraction Process:Locally Weighted Regression versus Kinetic Model Equation Based on Fick's Law

Objective To predict the total flavonoids concentration of Aurantii Fructus fried with bran in its extraction process. Methods Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was used to determine the concentration of total flavonoids in different extraction time （t） and solvent load （M）. Then the predicted procedure was carried out using the following data： 1 ） based on Ficks second law, the parameters of the kinetic model could be deduced and the equation was established; 2） Locally weighted regression （LWR） code was developed in the WEKA software environment to predict the concentration. And then we used both methods to predict the concentration of total flavonoids in new experiments. Results After comparing the predicted results with the experimental data, the LWR model had better accuracy and performance in the prediction. Conclusion LWR is applied to analyze the extraction process of Chinese herb for the first time, and it is totally fit for the extraction. LWR-based system is a more simple and accurate way to predict than the established equation. It is a good choice especially for a process which exists no clear rules, and can be used in the real-time control during the process.

Variation in the emission rate of sounds in a captive group of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens during feedings: possible food anticipatory vocal activity?

This study examines whether a group of captive false killer whales(P seudorca crassidens) showed variations in the vocal rate around feeding times. The high level of motivation to express appetitive behaviors in captive animals may lead them to respond with changes of the behavioral activities during the time prior to food deliveries which are referred to as food anticipatory activity. False killer whales at Qingdao Polar Ocean World(Qingdao, China) showed signifi cant variations of the rates of both the total sounds and sound classes(whistles, clicks, and burst pulses) around feedings. Precisely, from the Transition interval that recorded the lowest vocalization rate(3.40 s/m/d), the whales increased their acoustic emissions upon trainers' arrival(13.08 s/m/d). The high rate was maintained or intensifi ed throughout the food delivery(25.12 s/m/d), and then reduced immediately after the animals were fed(9.91 s/m/d). These changes in the false killer whales sound production rates around feeding times supports the hypothesis of the presence of a food anticipatory vocal activity. Although sound rates may not give detailed information regarding referential aspects of the animal communication it might still shed light about the arousal levels of the individuals during different social or environmental conditions. Further experiments should be performed to assess if variations of the time of feeding routines may affect the vocal activity of cetaceans in captivity as well as their welfare.

Total loads modeling and geological adaptability analysis for mixed soil-rock tunnel boring machines

Rock-soil interface mixed ground(RSI)is often encountered in tunnel construction.The excavation loads of tunnel boring machines(TBMs)are controlled by the interaction characteristics between TBM and rock/soil layers.The different properties of rock and soil cause the varying interaction range and stress distribution.Currently,there have been several studies available to estimate excavation loads under RSI,and the conclusion is that the total loads increase with increasing the rock layer proportion in the excavation face.However,the previous studies cannot take the difference of rock/soil properties into account,except for the calculation of cutters loads.Therefore,the interaction characteristics between RSI and TBM is unclear.This paper analyzes the interaction characteristics between TBM’s main components and complex geological conditions(e.g.,layered soil,layered rock,and RSI condition).A model is proposed to calculate the total thrust and total torque assuming quasi-static equilibrium of the tunneling equipment.The rationality and applicability of the model are discussed and verified by two typical projects.Furthermore,the geological adaptability is discussed in terms of the excavation difficulty and the matching relationship between total torque and total thrust.The results indicate that when the rock layer proportion in the excavation face increases,the reduction of overall extrusion and friction loads is 1.5 times higher than the increase of disc cutters breaking load.The total loads and the ratio of the total torque to total thrust decrease approximately linearly.There is a power function relationship between the excavation difficulty index and the penetration depth.The results of this study provide an important reference for the total loads design of equipment propulsion systems and the parameter adjustment during tunnel construction.