Theory and Software Implementations of Shor’s <Emphasis Type="Italic">r</Emphasis>-Algorithms<Superscript>*</Superscript>

Three computational forms of r-algorithms with different amount of computation per iteration are considered. The results on the convergence of the limit variant of r-algorithms for convex smooth functions and the r _μ (α)-algorithm for convex piecewise smooth functions are presented. Practical aspects of the variant of r (α)-algorithms with a constant coefficient of space dilation α and an adaptive method for step adjustment in the direction of the normalized anti-subgradient in the transformed space of variables are discussed.     

The Visible Human<Superscript>®</Superscript> at the University of Colorado 15 years later

The Visible Human has come through ages, providing a foundation of photorealistic anatomy for learner-centered, interactive education. Pathways for improvement of the Visible Human process for reverse engineering the macrostructure of the human body have been developed to provide higher resolution and decreased production time for segmentation and modeling human form. The assignment of physical properties, the development of algorithms for the interaction of surgical tools with this virtual anatomy and the availability of high-fidelity haptic interfaces provide the basis for fully immersive surgical training and certification in an environment that is zero direct-risk to patients. Interactive journal publishing, 3D stereoscopic anatomical visualization software and surgical simulators, all based on the Visible Human, the history of the Project and its utilization and provide a framework for its evolution and role in delivering education, training, certification and credentialing through virtual reality to the health care workforce of tomorrow.

A Multi-Scale Vectorial L<Superscript><Emphasis Type=Italic>τ</Emphasis></Superscript>-TV Framework for Color Image Restoration

A general multi-scale vectorial total variation model with spatially adapted regularization parameter for color image restoration is introduced in this paper. This total variation model contains an L ^τ -data fidelity for any τ∈[1,2]. The use of a spatial dependent regularization parameter improves the reconstruction of features in the image as well as an adequate smoothing for the homogeneous parts. The automated adaptation of this regularization parameter is made according to local statistical characteristics of the noise which contaminates the image. The corresponding multiscale vectorial total variation model is solved by Fenchel-duality and inexact semismooth Newton techniques. Numerical results are presented for the cases τ=1 and τ=2 which reconstruct images contaminated with salt-and-pepper noise and Gaussian noise, respectively.     

Design of a fractional PI<Superscript>λ</Superscript>D<Superscript>μ</Superscript> controller using the cohort intelligence method

The cohort intelligence (CI) method has recently evolved as an optimization method based on artificial intelligence. We use the CI method for the first time to optimize the parameters of the fractional proportionalintegral- derivative (PID) controller. The performance of the CI method in designing the fractional PID controller was validated and compared with those of some other popular algorithms such as particle swarm optimization, the genetic algorithm, and the improved electromagnetic algorithm. The CI method yielded improved solutions in terms of the cost function, computing time, and function evaluations in comparison with the other three algorithms. In addition, the standard deviations of the CI method demonstrated the robustness of the proposed algorithm in solving control problems.     

Building a hierarchical structure model of enablers that affect the software process improvement in software SMEs—A mixed method approach

In the present study authors developed a mixed approach based on qualitative and interpretive approaches to model and analyze software process improvement (SPI) enablers in software small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In phase-I after listing the research questions, the data is synthesized using the observations of stakeholders in their work domain followed by semi-structured interviews. The results of the qualitative analysis, as key learning's formed the basis for grouping of SPI indicators into nine key SPI enablers. Open, focused and theoretical coding procedures in grounded theory were used to create categories, subcategories, and thematic relationships among these enablers. Further, in phase-II, the hierarchical structure model of SPI enablers is build using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach and influencing dynamics among the enablers is analyzed using MICMAC analysis. From the results of the study, it is concluded that organization, people, and technology issues are important drivers, on which SMEs shall proactively focus for successful implementation of SPI initiatives.     

The completeness and applications of the formal system ℒ<Superscript>*</Superscript>

Since the formal deductive system ℒ^* was built up in 1997, in has played important roles in the theoretical and applied research of fuzzy logic and fuzzy reasoning. But, up to now, the completeness problem of the system ℒ^* is still an open problem. In this paper, the properties and structure ofR ₀ algebras are further studied, and it is shown that every tautology on theR ₀ interval [0,1] is also a tautology on anyR ₀ algebra. Furthermore, based on the particular structure of ℒ^*-Lindenbaum algebra, the completeness and strong completeness of the system ℒ^* are proved. Some applications of the system ℒ^* in fuzzy reasoning are also discussed, and the obtained results and examples show that the system ℒ^* is suprior to some other important fuzzy logic systems.     

Robust stabilizing regions of fractional-order PI<Superscript>λ</Superscript> controllers for fractional-order systems with time-delays

This study focuses on a graphical approach to determine the stabilizing regions of fractional-order PI^λ(proportional integration) controllers for fractional-order systems with time-delays. By D-decomposition technique, the existence conditions and calculating methods of the real root boundary (RRB) curves, complex root boundary (CRB) curves and infinite root boundary (IRB) lines are investigated for a given stability degree. The stabilizing regions in terms of the RRB curves, CRB curves and IRB lines are identified by the proposed criteria in this paper. Finally, two illustrative examples are given to verify the effectiveness of this graphical approach for different stability degrees.     

(Φ,Φ<Superscript>*</Superscript>) Image Decomposition Models and Minimization Algorithms

We propose in this paper minimization algorithms for image restoration using dual functionals and dual norms. In order to extract a clean image u from a degraded version f=Ku+n (where f is the observation, K is a blurring operator and n represents additive noise), we impose a standard regularization penalty Φ(u)=∫ φ(|Du|)dx<∞ on u, where φ is positive, increasing and has at most linear growth at infinity. However, on the residual f−Ku we impose a dual penalty Φ^*(f−Ku)<∞, instead of the more standard fidelity term. In particular, when φ is convex, homogeneous of degree one, and with linear growth (for instance the total variation of u), we recover the (BV,BV ^*) decomposition of the data f, as suggested by Y. Meyer (Oscillating Patterns in Image Processing and Nonlinear Evolution Equations, University Lecture Series, vol. 22, Am. Math. Soc., Providence, 2001). Practical minimization methods are presented, together with theoretical, experimental results and comparisons to illustrate the validity of the proposed models. Moreover, we also show that by a slight modification of the associated Euler-Lagrange equations, we obtain well-behaved approximations and improved results.

Numerical Blow-up of Semilinear Parabolic PDEs on Unbounded Domains in ℝ<Superscript>2</Superscript>

We study the numerical solution of semilinear parabolic PDEs on unbounded spatial domains Ω in ℝ² whose solutions blow up in finite time. Of particular interest are the cases where Ω=ℝ² or Ω is a sectorial domain in ℝ². We derive the nonlinear absorbing boundary conditions for corresponding, suitably chosen computational domains and then employ a simple adaptive time-stepping scheme to compute the solution of the resulting system of semilinear ODEs. The theoretical results are illustrated by a broad range of numerical examples.     

Small deviations for two classes of Gaussian stationary processes and <Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis></Superscript>-functionals, 0 < <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis> ≤ ∞

Let w(t) be a standard Wiener process, w(0) = 0, and let η _a (t) = w(t + a) − w(t), t ≥ 0, be increments of the Wiener process, a > 0. Let Z _a (t), t ∈ [0, 2a], be a zeromean Gaussian stationary a.s. continuous process with a covariance function of the form E Z _a (t)Z _a (s) = 1/2[a − |t − s|], t, s ∈ [0, 2a]. For 0 < p < ∞, we prove results on sharp asymptotics as ɛ → 0 of the probabilities

All-Pairs Shortest Paths with Real Weights in <Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis><Superscript>3</Superscript>/log <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>) Time

We describe an O(n ³/log n)-time algorithm for the all-pairs-shortest-paths problem for a real-weighted directed graph with n vertices. This slightly improves a series of previous, slightly subcubic algorithms by Fredman (SIAM J. Comput. 5:49–60, 1976), Takaoka (Inform. Process. Lett. 43:195–199, 1992), Dobosiewicz (Int. J. Comput. Math. 32:49–60, 1990), Han (Inform. Process. Lett. 91:245–250, 2004), Takaoka (Proc. 10th Int. Conf. Comput. Comb., Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., vol. 3106, pp. 278–289, Springer, 2004), and Zwick (Proc. 15th Int. Sympos. Algorithms and Computation, Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., vol. 3341, pp. 921–932, Springer, 2004). The new algorithm is surprisingly simple and different from previous ones. A preliminary version of this paper appeared in Proc. 9th Workshop Algorithms Data Struct. (WADS), Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., vol. 3608, pp. 318–324, Springer, 2005.     

The <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>-Homotopic Thinning and a Torus-Like Digital Image in <Emphasis Type="Bold">Z</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Superscript>

In order to discuss digital topological properties of a digital image (X,k), many recent papers have used the digital fundamental group and several digital topological invariants such as the k-linking number, the k-topological number, and so forth. Owing to some difficulties of an establishment of the multiplicative property of the digital fundamental group, a k-homotopic thinning method can be essentially used in calculating the digital fundamental group of a digital product with k-adjacency. More precisely, let be a simple closed k _i -curve with l _i elements in . For some k-adjacency of the digital product which is a torus-like set, proceeding with the k-homotopic thinning of , we obtain its k-homotopic thinning set denoted by DT _k . Writing an algorithm for calculating the digital fundamental group of , we investigate the k-fundamental group of by the use of various properties of a digital covering (Z×Z,p ₁×p ₂,DT _k ), a strong k-deformation retract, and algebraic topological tools. Finally, we find the pseudo-multiplicative property (contrary to the multiplicative property) of the digital fundamental group. This property can be used in classifying digital images from the view points of both digital k-homotopy theory and mathematical morphology.

Activities of daily living assessment in spinal cord injury using the virtual reality system Toyra<Superscript>®</Superscript>: functional and kinematic correlations

The main objective of this study was to analyze the correlations between functional scales and kinematic data collected during the execution of upper limb (UL) basic activities of daily living in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment. Fifteen people with tetraplegia participated in the study. Moreover, we also want to confirm if changes in UL functional performance detected by functional scales are also detected by the VR system Toyra^®. Patients were assessed before and after 4 weeks of daily conventional rehabilitation treatment complemented with a training with the VR system. Significant positive correlations between kinematic and functional parameters were found in the post assessment, verifying that changes in UL functional performance detected by functional scales are also measured by the VR system Toyra^®, concretely the related to shoulder movements. Additionally, a predefined Agility metric has been applied, showing inversely proportional results to the level of injury, as we expected. The self-care category of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) and the ranges of motion (ROM) captured with the VR system were analyzed, showing statistical significance changes between pre-post evaluations, supporting the hypothesis that kinematic analysis complements clinical and functional assessments of patients with tetraplegia.     

From Neweul to Neweul-M<Superscript>2</Superscript>: symbolical equations of motion for multibody system analysis and synthesis

The state-of-the-art for deriving symbolical equations of motion for multibody systems is reviewed. The fundamentals of formalisms based on Newton–Euler equations are presented and the recent development of a research software called Neweul-M² is highlighted. The modeling approach with commands and a graphical user interface are discussed as well as system analysis options, control design by export to Matlab/Simulink, and parameter optimization for system synthesis. The alternatives within the program using symbolic and numeric approaches are emphasized. A double pendulum is used to explain the program features and a vehicle benchmark model is presented as an example. Advanced applications include closed kinematic loops and flexible bodies.     

Mixed <Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>2</Subscript>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>∞</Subscript> control for linear infinite-dimensional systems

In this paper, we consider mixed H ₂/H _∞ control problems for linear infinite-dimensional systems. The first part considers the state feedback control for the H ₂/H _∞ control problems of linear infinite-dimensional systems. The cost horizon can be infinite or finite time. The solutions of the H ₂/H _∞ control problem for linear infinitedimensional systems are presented in terms of the solutions of the coupled operator Riccati equations and coupled differential operator Riccati equations. The second part addresses the observer-based H ₂/H _∞ control of linear infinite-dimensional systems with infinite horizon and finite horizon costs. The solutions for the observer-based H ₂/H _∞ control problem of linear infinite-dimensional systems are represented in terms of the solutions of coupled operator Riccati equations. The first-order partial differential system examples are presented for illustration. In particular, for these examples, the Riccati equations are represented in terms of the coefficients of first-order partial differential systems.     

Pre-compensator selection for <Emphasis Type=Italic>H</Emphasis><Subscript>∞</Subscript> loop shaping control

In this paper, an attempt has been made to address on the design of pre-compensator to obtain the solution of H _∞ loop-shaping control problem. Two different design techniques have been proposed where the first one is based on singular value decomposition (SVD) technique along with the matrix perturbation approach; the other one is focused in linear matrix inequality (LMI) framework leading to minimize the condition number of the pre-compensator that, in turn, reduces loop deterioration. A numerical example has been considered to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Mixed <Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>2</Subscript>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>∞</Subscript> control for a class of nonlinear networked control systems

In this paper, the mixed H ₂/H _∞ control problem is investigated for a class of nonlinear discrete-time networked control systems with random network-induced delays, stochastic packet dropouts and probabilistic sensor faults. The packet dropouts process is modeled as a homogeneous Markov chains taking values in a finite state space. Network-induced delays occur in a random way with known upper bound. A set of stochastic variables are exploited to describe sensor faults with different probabilistic density functions. By using a delay-dependent Lyapunov functional, a mode-dependent mixed H ₂/H _∞ controller is designed to guarantee both stochastic stability of the closed-loop system and the prescribed H2, H¥ control performances. Sufficient conditions for the existence of the mixed H ₂/H _∞ controller are presented in terms of a series of LMIs. If these LMIs are feasible, then the modedependent mixed H ₂/H _∞ controller can be obtained. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed method.     

Mixed <Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>2</Subscript>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>∞</Subscript> filtering for a class of high-speed sampling uncertain systems

The problem of mixed H2/H∞ filtering for polytopic Delta operator systems is investigated. The aim is to design a linear asymptotically stable filter which guarantees that the filtering error system has different performances in different filtering channels. Based on a parameter-dependent Lyapunov function, a new mixed H2/H∞ performance criterion is presented. Upon this performance criterion, a sufficient condition for the full-order mixed H2/H∞ filter is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The filter can be obtained from the solution of a convex optimization problem. The proposed filter design procedure is less conservative than the strategy based on the quadratic stability notion. A numerical example is given to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>∞</Subscript> digital redesign for LTI systems

The so-called digital redesign (DR) is a sampled-data (SD) controller design method where an analogue controller is designed firstly, and then transformed to an approximately equivalent digital controller in the sense of state-matching. In this approach, the SD controller is designed by reducing the discrepancy between the discrete-time (DT) counterpart of the closed-loop SD control system and the continuous-time (CT) closed-loop system. In this paper, we develop a DR strategy for CT linear time-invariant systems. More specifically, H _∞ norm of the error dynamic system between the CT and DT plants is minimized for the optimal state-matching performance at every sampling point. The design problem is formulated as linear matrix inequalities which can be efficiently solved by using convex optimization techniques. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Robust <Emphasis Type=Italic>H</Emphasis><Subscript>∞</Subscript> fuzzy control for discrete-time nonlinear systems

This paper studies the problem of robust H _∞ control for discrete-time nonlinear systems presented as Takagi—Sugeno’s fuzzy models. The generalized non-parallel distributed compensation (non-PDC) law and non-quadratic Lyapunov function is constructed by the proposed homogeneouspolynomially basis-dependent matrix function (HPB-MF for abbreviation). Based on the generalized non-PDC law and non-quadratic Lyapunov function, some linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are obtained by exploiting the possible combinations of the basis functions. These LMIs ensure the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system and guarantee a norm bound constraint on disturbance attenuation. In addition, it is shown that the LMIs become less conservative as the degree of HPB-MF increases. The merit of the methods presented in this paper lies in their less conservatism than other methods, as shown by a numerical example borrowed from the literature.