Optimal control of the production–inventory system with deteriorating items and tradable emission permits

Using the well-known Arrow and Karlin (1958) Arrow, K.J., and Karlin, S. (1958), ‘Production over Time with Increasing Marginal Costs’, in Studies in the Mathematical Theory of Inventory and Production, eds. K.J. Arrow and S. Karlin, Stanford: Stanford University Press, pp. 61–69. [Google Scholar] dynamic production–inventory model and the model with tradable emission permits which was presented by Dobos (2005 Dobos, I. (2005), ‘The Effects of Emission Trading on Production and Inventories in the Arrow–Karlin Model’, International Journal of Production Economics, 93–94, 301–308.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], 2007) Dobos I. (2007), ‘Tradable Emission Permits and Production-inventory Strategies of the Firm’, International Journal of Production Economics, 108, 329–333.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], we develop a model of the production–inventory system with deteriorating items and tradable emission permits. The objective of this paper is to apply the optimal control theory to solve the production–inventory problem with deteriorating items and tradable emission permits, and derive the optimal inventory level and the optimal production rate that minimise the total cost. The results are discussed with a numerical example and a sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution with respect to the parameters of the production–inventory system is carried out.     

A note on ‘a replenishment policy for items with price-dependent demand,time-proportional deterioration and no shortages’

In a recent paper, Begum et al. (2012 Begum, R., Sahoo, R.R., and Sahu, S.K. (2012), ‘A Replenishment Policy for Items with Price-Dependent Demand, Time-Proportional Deterioration and no Shortages’, International Journal of Systems Science, 43, 903–910.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], International Journal of Systems Science, 43, 903–910) established pricing and replenishment policy for an inventory system with price-sensitive demand rate, time-proportional deterioration rate which follows three parameters, Weibull distribution and no shortages. In their model formulation, it is observed that the retailer's stock level reaches zero before the deterioration occurs. Consequently, the model resulted in traditional inventory model with price sensitive demand rate and no shortages. Hence, the main purpose of this note is to modify and present complete model formulation for Begum et al. (2012) Begum, R., Sahoo, R.R., and Sahu, S.K. (2012), ‘A Replenishment Policy for Items with Price-Dependent Demand, Time-Proportional Deterioration and no Shortages’, International Journal of Systems Science, 43, 903–910.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]. The proposed model is validated by a numerical example and the sensitivity analysis of parameters is carried out.     

The effects of individual differences,prior experience and cognitive load on the transfer of dynamic decision-making performance

Situational awareness is recognised as an important factor in the performance of individuals and teams in dynamic decision-making (DDM) environments (Salmon et al. 2014 Salmon, P. M., N. A.Stanton, G. H.Walker, D.Jenkins, D.Ladva, L.Rafferty, and M.Young. 2014. “Measuring SA in Complex Systems: Comparison of Measurement Study.” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics39: 490–500.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The present study was designed to investigate whether the scores on the WOMBAT? Situational Awareness and Stress Tolerance Test (Roscoe and North 1980 Roscoe, S. N., and R.North. 1980. “Prediction of Pilot Performance.” In Aviation Psychology, edited by S. N.Roscoe, 123–127. Ames: The Iowa State University Press. [Google Scholar]) would predict the transfer of DDM performance from training under different levels of cognitive load to a novel situation. Participants practised a simulated firefighting task under either low or high conditions of cognitive load and then performed a (transfer) test in an alternative firefighting environment under an intermediate level of cognitive load. WOMBAT? test scores were a better predictor of DDM performance than scores on the Raven Matrices. Participants with high WOMBAT? scores performed better regardless of their training condition. Participants with recent gaming experience who practised under low cognitive load showed better practice phase performance but worse transfer performance than those who practised under high cognitive load.

Practitioner Summary: The relationship between task experience, situational awareness ability, cognitive load and the transfer of dynamic decision-making (DDM) performance was investigated. Results showed that the WOMBAT? test predicted transfer of DDM performance regardless of task cognitive load. The effects of cognitive load on performance varied according to previous task-relevant experience.     

Continuous-time non-linear flatness-based predictive control: an exact feedforward linearisation setting with an induction drive example

A general flatness-based framework for non-linear continuous-time predictive control is presented. It extends the results of Fliess and Marquez (2000 Fliess, M and Marquez, R. 2000. Continuous-time Linear Predictive Control and Flatness: A Module-theoretic Setting with Examples. International Journal of Control, 73: 606–623. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) to the non-linear case. The mathematical setting, which is valid for multivariable systems, is provided by the theory of flatness-based exact feedforward linearisation introduced by the authors (Hagenmeyer and Delaleau 2003b Hagenmeyer, V and Delaleau, E. 2003b. Exact Feedforward Linearization Based on Differential Flatness. International Journal of Control, 76: 537–556. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Thereby differential flatness does not only yield an easy calculation of the predicted trajectories considering the respective system constraints, but allows to use simple linear feedback parts in a two-degree-of-freedom control structure. Moreover, this formalism permits one to handle non-minimum phase systems, and furthermore to deal with parameter uncertainties and exogenous perturbations. Respective robustness analysis tools are available. Finally, an induction drive example is discussed in detail and experimental results for this fast electro-mechanical system are presented.     

Approximation error in PDE-based modelling of vehicular platoons

We study the problem of how much error is introduced in approximating the dynamics of a large vehicular platoon by using a partial differential equation, as was done in Barooah, Mehta, and Hespanha [Barooah, P., Mehta, P.G., and Hespanha, J.P. (2009 Barooah, P, Mehta, PG and Hespanha, JP. 2009. Mistuning-based Decentralised Control of Vehicular Platoons for Improved Closed Loop Stability. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 54: 2100–2113. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), ‘Mistuning-based Decentralised Control of Vehicular Platoons for Improved Closed Loop Stability’, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 54, 2100–2113], Hao, Barooah, and Mehta [Hao, H., Barooah, P., and Mehta, P.G. (2011), ‘Stability Margin Scaling Laws of Distributed Formation Control as a Function of Network Structure’, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 56, 923–929]. In particular, we examine the difference between the stability margins of the coupled-ordinary differential equations (ODE) model and its partial differential equation (PDE) approximation, which we call the approximation error. The stability margin is defined as the absolute value of the real part of the least stable pole. The PDE model has proved useful in the design of distributed control schemes (Barooah et al. 2009 Barooah, P, Mehta, PG and Hespanha, JP. 2009. Mistuning-based Decentralised Control of Vehicular Platoons for Improved Closed Loop Stability. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 54: 2100–2113. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Hao et al. 2011 Hao, H, Barooah, P and Mehta, PG. 2011. Stability Margin Scaling Laws of Distributed Formation Control as a Function of Network Structure. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 56: 923–929. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]); it provides insight into the effect of gains of local controllers on the closed-loop stability margin that is lacking in the coupled-ODE model. Here we show that the ratio of the approximation error to the stability margin is O(1/N), where N is the number of vehicles. Thus, the PDE model is an accurate approximation of the coupled-ODE model when N is large. Numerical computations are provided to corroborate the analysis.     

Backstepping-based cooperative and adaptive tracking control design for a group of underactuated AUVs in horizontal plan

In this paper, we investigate new implementable cooperative adaptive backstepping controllers for a group of underactuated autonomous vehicles that are communicating with their local neighbours to track a time-varying virtual leader of which the relative position may only be available to a portion of the team members. At the kinematic cooperative control level of the autonomous underwater vehicle, the virtual cooperative controller is basically designed on a proportional and derivative consensus algorithm presented in Ren (2010) Ren, W. (2010). Consensus tracking under directed interaction topologies: Algorithms and experiments. IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, 18, 230–237.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], which involves velocity information from local neighbours. In this paper, we propose a new design algorithm based on singular perturbation theory that precludes the use of the neighbours’ velocity information in the cooperative design. At the dynamic cooperative control level, calculation of the partial derivatives of some stabilising functions which in turn will contain velocity information from the local neighbours is required. To facilitate the implementation of the cooperative controllers, we propose a command filter approach technique to avoid analytic differentiation of the virtual cooperative control laws. We show how Lyapunov-based techniques and graph theory can be combined together to yield a robust cooperative controller where the uncertain dynamics of the cooperating vehicles and the constraints on the communication topology which contains a directed spanning tree are explicitly taken into account. Simulation results with a dynamic model of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles moving on the horizontal plane are presented and discussed.     

Comment on ‘Persistent inputs and the standard H2-multivariable control problem’ by K. Park and J.J. Bongiorno Jr

It is necessary to welcome the publication of the paper by Park and Bongiorno Jr (Park, K. and Bongiorno Jr, J.J. (2009 Park, K and Bongiorno Jr, JJ. 2009. Persistent Inputs and the Standard H₂-multivariable Control Problem. International Journal of Control, 82: 2002–2012. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), ‘Persistent Inputs and the Standard H₂-multivariable Control Problem’, International Journal of Control, 82, 2002–2012) in which the special cases in H₂-optimisation problems are considered. However, for correct orientation of readers we would like to note some publications which, in our opinion, are connected to a problem given by Park and Bongiorno Jr (2009 Park, K and Bongiorno Jr, JJ. 2009. Persistent Inputs and the Standard H₂-multivariable Control Problem. International Journal of Control, 82: 2002–2012. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), but are absent there.     

A Novel High Quality High Capacity Image Hiding Scheme Based on Image Compression and an Optical Pixel Adjustment Process

ABSTRACT

Image hiding methods embed a secret image into a host image. The resultant stego-image does not attract the interceptors that would not detect the differences between the host image and the stego-image. To exploit the great developments in the area of image compression and to improve the quality of stego-image, this paper proposes a new method to embed the secret image into the host image. Basically, the secret image is compressed and then embedded into host image. The embedding method is based on the Optimal Pixel Adjustment Process (OPAP) and genetic algorithm. In the paper we addressed the important issues to build such systems. The experimental results showed that the proposed method can improve the quality from 60% to 80% when compared with the simple Least Significant Bit (LSB) replacement methods. Adding to that, the mean square error of the stego-image is much lower compared with other methods (Chan & Cheng, 2004 Chan, C.K. and Cheng, L.M. 2004. Hiding data in images by simple LSB substitution. Pattern Recognition, 37(3): 469–474. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Chang, Hsiao, & Chan, 2003 Chang, C.C., Hsiao, J.Y. and Chan, C.S. 2003. Finding optimal least-significant-bit substitution in image hiding by dynamic programming strategy. Pattern Recognition, 36(7): 1583–1595. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Thien & Lin, 2003 Thien, C.C. and Lin, J.C. 2003. A simple and high-hiding capacity method for hiding digit-by-digit data in images based on modulus function. Pattern Recognition, 36(12): 2875–2881. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Tseng, Chan, Ho, & Chu, 208; Wang, Lin, & Lin, 2001 Wang, R.Z., Lin, C.F. and Lin, J.C. 2001. Image hiding by optimal LSB substitution and genetic algorithm. Pattern Recognition, 34(3): 671–683. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Also, the proposed technique improves capacity. In other words, we can embed a secret image with size 450?×?450 inside a hosting image with size 512?×?512.     

The performance of discrete linear time-varying control for l2 disturbance rejection

This paper extends the results of Zhang et.al. (1997 Zhang, C., Zhang, J. and Furuta, K. 1997. Performance analysis of discrete periodically time varying controllers. Automatica, 33: 619–634. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) for linear periodically time-varying control to general linear time-varying (LTV) control. It is shown that linear time-invariant (LTI) control provides strictly better control performance than linear strictly time-varying control if l₂ disturbance rejection of LTI plants is considered. The analysis is carried out in the frequency domain. This approach provides not only new results on disturbance rejection of LTV control but also some new insight into the properties of general LTV systems.     

Comment on ‘Optimal inventory replenishment policy for the EPQ model under trade credit derived without derivatives’

In this article, we complement the shortcoming of the inventory economic production quantity (EPQ) model developed by Huang and Huang (2008 Huang, YF and Huang, HF. 2008. Optimal Inventory Replenishment Policy for the EPQ Model Under Trade Credit Derived Without Derivatives. International Journal of Systems Science, 39: 539–546. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), ‘Optimal Inventory Replenishment Policy for the EPQ Model Under Trade Credit Derived Without Derivatives’, International Journal of Systems Science, 39, 539–546), and propose an arithmetic–geometric inequality method to obtain the global optimal solution without taking complex differential calculus or using tedious algebraic manipulations. Finally, we provide an economical interpretation of the theoretical result so that the reader can understand the insight of the result.     

Knowledge processes in virtual teams: consolidating the evidence

This article takes stock of the current state of research on knowledge processes in virtual teams (VTs) and consolidates the extent research findings. Virtual teams, on the one hand, constitute important organisational entities that facilitate the integration of diverse and distributed knowledge resources. On the other hand, collaborating in a virtual environment creates particular challenges for the knowledge processes. The article seeks to consolidate the diverse evidence on knowledge processes in VTs with a specific focus on identifying the factors that influence the effectiveness of these knowledge processes. The article draws on the four basic knowledge processes outlined by Alavi and Leidner (2001 Alavi, M.Leidner, D.E., 2001. Review: knowledge management and knowledge management systems: conceptual foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly, 25 (1), 107–136. doi: 10.2307/3250961[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) (i.e. creation, transferring, storage/retrieval and application) to frame the investigation and discuss the extent research. The consolidation of the existing research findings allows us to recognise the gaps in the understanding of knowledge processes in VTs and identify the important avenues for future research.     

Statistical inference for the lifetime performance index based on generalised order statistics from exponential distribution

In manufacturing industries, the lifetime of an item is usually characterised by a random variable X and considered to be satisfactory if X exceeds a given lower lifetime limit L. The probability of a satisfactory item is then η_L := P(X ≥ L), called conforming rate. In industrial companies, however, the lifetime performance index, proposed by Montgomery and denoted by C_L, is widely used as a process capability index instead of the conforming rate. Assuming a parametric model for the random variable X, we show that there is a connection between the conforming rate and the lifetime performance index. Consequently, the statistical inferences about η_L and C_L are equivalent. Hence, we restrict ourselves to statistical inference for C_L based on generalised order statistics, which contains several ordered data models such as usual order statistics, progressively Type-II censored data and records. Various point and interval estimators for the parameter C_L are obtained and optimal critical regions for the hypothesis testing problems concerning C_L are proposed. Finally, two real data-sets on the lifetimes of insulating fluid and ball bearings, due to Nelson (1982) Nelson, W. (1982), Applied Life Data Analysis, New York: John Wiley &; Sons.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar] and Caroni (2002) Caroni, C. (2002), ‘The correct “ball bearings” data’, Lifetime Data Analysis, 8, 395–399.[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], respectively, and a simulated sample are analysed.     

An inventory model involving back-order price discount when the amount received is uncertain

This paper presents and analyses the continuous review inventory model with order quantity, safety factor, back-order price discount, ordering cost and lead time as decision variables. Our work is based on the paper of Huang (2010 Huang, S.-P. (2010). Using simple and efficient algorithm involving ordering cost reduction and backorder price discount on inventory system under variable lead time. Information Technology Journal, 9(4), 804–810.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]). We extend the model to incorporate the situation when the amount received is uncertain. The lead time demand is assumed follows a normal distribution. A solution procedure is developed to find the optimal solution. A numerical example is given to illustrate the model. A sensitivity analysis is also included to describe the effects of changes in the model parameters on the expected annual cost.     

CIPHER EQUIPMENT

Abstract

In this article, a simplified version of the International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA) is described. This simplified version, like simplified versions of DES [8-12 Schaefer , E. 1996 . “A Simplified Data Encryption Standard Algorithm,” Cryptologia , 20 ( 1 ): 77 – 84 . Schneier , B. 1996 . Applied Cryptography, , 2nd ed . Wiley , New York , NY . Schneier , B. 1999. Crypto Guru Bruce Schneier Answers. http://slashdot.org/interviews/99/10/29/0832246.shtml last accessed February 23, 2007. Shannon , C. “Communications Theory of Secrecy Systems,” Oct. 1949 . Bell Systems Technical Journal , 28 ( 4 ): 656 – 715 . Trappe , W. and L. Washington . 2006 . Introduction to Cryptography with Coding Theory, , 2nd ed. Prentice Hall , Upper Saddle River , NJ . ] and AES [6 Musa , M. , E. Shaefer , and S. Wedig . 2003 . “A Simplified AES Algorithm and its Linear and Differential Cryptanalysis,” Cryptologia , 17 ( 2 ): 148 – 177 . [Google Scholar] 7 Phan , R. 2002 . “Mini Advanced Encryption Standard (Mini-AES): A Testbed for Cryptanalysis Students,” Cryptologia , 26 ( 4 ): 283 – 306 .[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]] that have appeared in print, is intended to help students understand the algorithm by providing a version that permits examples to be worked by hand. IDEA is useful teaching tool to help students bridge the gap between DES and AES.     

A parallel time-memory tradeoff attack on the Hill cipher

Leap et al. (2016 Leap, T., T. McDevitt, K. Novak, and N. Siermine. 2016. Further improvements to the Bauer-Millward attack on the Hill cipher. Cryptologia 40:1–16.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) reduced the time complexity of the Bauer-Millward (2007 Bauer, C., and K. Millward. 2007. Cracking matrix encryption row by row. Cryptologia 31(1):76–83.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) ciphertext-only attack on the Hill cipher from 𝒪(Lⁿ) to 𝒪(L^n?1), where L is the length of the alphabet, and n is the block size. This article presents an attack that reduces the complexity to 𝒪(L^n?1?s), 0?≤?s?≤?n???1. The practical limitation on the size of s is the memory available on the computer being used for the attack. Specifically, the computer must be able to hold L^s integer arrays of length N, where N is the number of blocks of ciphertext. The key idea is not to iterate over potential rows of the decryption matrix, but to iterate over randomly chosen characters in the plaintext. This attack also admits a straightforward parallel implementation on multiple processors to further decrease the run time of the attack.     

Mapping the image

The Brainstorm feature introduced in Adobe After Effects CS3 (2007) allows users to automate parts of the process of generating design variations for the purposes of comparison and selection. The paper begins with a brief discussion of current discursive formations around software and software-based practice among digital design practitioners and educators. Next, the paper draws upon critical concepts drawn from multimodal discourse analysis, media theory and sociology to analyse Brainstorm in terms of the interplay of software structure and design agency. The key concepts used are modality, articulation and interpretation (Kress and van Leeuwen 1996 Kress, G. and van Leeuwen, T. 1996. Reading images: the grammar of visual design, London: Routledge.  [Google Scholar], 2001), the database as cultural form and the logic of selection (Manovich 2001 Manovich, L. 2001. The language of new media, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.  [Google Scholar]), habitus and practical logic (Bourdieu 1977 Bourdieu, P. 1977. Outline of a theory of practice, New York: Cambridge University Press. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) and the radius of creativity (Toynbee 2000 Toynbee, J. 2000. Making popular music: musicians, creativity and institutions, London: Arnold.  [Google Scholar]). Throughout, the paper addresses specific structural features of the software, thus developing an overview of the affordances and constraints of Brainstorm as a creative tool.     

Inversion-based residual generation for robust detection and isolation of faults by means of estimation of the inverse dynamics in linear dynamical systems

In this article the idea of inversion-based direct input reconstruction for robust detection, separation and estimation of multiple simultaneous faults in the presence of persistent disturbances which proved to be non-separable by conventional decoupling methods in linear dynamical systems is presented. In particular, it is shown how in a specific filtering structure a residual generator, relying on the inverse representation of the system, by means of estimation of the inverse dynamics can be designed providing robust fault decoupling. In the development of the method three solution approaches are contrasted with each other. In the first approach the traditional H _∞ filter providing the classical disturbance attenuated non-decoupling solution is presented. Then, in a novel solution, an H _∞ detection filter on the inverse system is designed providing detection residuals by exact fault decoupling; the estimation of the inverse dynamics is obtained by means of the optimal filter, thus ensuring H _∞ disturbance attenuation on the residual output. Finally, an observer-based residual generator for the estimation of the inverse dynamics is designed resulting in detection residuals with exact fault and disturbance separation, which characterises this novel idea in its extremes. The feasibility of the solution to problems not solvable earlier is demonstrated based on an aircraft monitoring application example that was originally considered in Douglas and Speyer (1995 Douglas, RK and Speyer, JL. An H-infinity Bounded Fault Detection Filter. Proceedings of the American Control and Conference. pp.86–90. Seattle, WA [Google Scholar]) and Chung and Speyer (1998 Chung, WH and Speyer, JL. 1998. A Game Theoretic Fault Detection Filter. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 43: 143–161. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]).