Parameter estimation of q-Gaussian Radial Basis Functions Neural Networks with a Hybrid Algorithm for binary classification

A classification problem is a decision-making task that many researchers have studied. A number of techniques have been proposed to perform binary classification. Neural networks are one of the artificial intelligence techniques that has had the most successful results when applied to this problem. Our proposal is the use of q-Gaussian Radial Basis Function Neural Networks (q-Gaussian RBFNNs). This basis function includes a supplementary degree of freedom in order to adapt the model to the distribution of data. A Hybrid Algorithm (HA) is used to search for a suitable architecture for the q-Gaussian RBFNN. The use of this type of more flexible kernel could greatly improve the discriminative power of RBFNNs. In order to test performance, the RBFNN with the q-Gaussian basis functions is compared to RBFNNs with Gaussian, Cauchy and Inverse Multiquadratic RBFs, and to other recent neural networks approaches. An experimental study is presented on 11 binary-classification datasets taken from the UCI repository. Moreover, aerial imagery taken in mid-May, mid-June and mid-July was used to evaluate the potential of the methodology proposed for discriminating Ridolfia segetum patches (one of the most dominant and harmful weeds in sunflower crops) in two naturally infested fields in southern Spain.     

Integration of virtual and real environments for engineering service-oriented manufacturing systems

Engineering frameworks are currently required to support the easy, low-cost, modular and integrated development of manufacturing systems addressing the emergent requirements of re-configurability, responsiveness and robustness. This paper discusses the integration of 2D/3D digital software tools with Petri net based service-oriented frameworks to allow the design, configuration, analysis, validation, simulation, monitoring and control of manufacturing systems in a virtual environment and its posterior smooth migration into the real ??physical?? environment. An experimental case study was implemented to validate the proposed concepts, using the Continuum platform to design, compose, analyze, validate and simulate the Petri nets based service-oriented manufacturing control system, and the Delmia Automation^TM software suite to support the rapid prototyping and the easy simulation of the designed control solution. The experimental results prove several aspects of the proposed approach, notably the smooth migration between the design and the operation phases, one of the main objectives of the work.     

Numerical simulation of the N-dimensional sine-Gordon equation via operational matrices

In this paper, we develop a numerical method for the N-dimensional sine-Gordon equation using differentiation matrices, in the theoretical frame of matrix differential equations.Our method avoids calculating exponential matrices, is very intuitive and easy to express, and can be implemented without toil in any number of spatial dimensions. Although there is currently a vast literature on the numerical treatment of the one-dimensional sine-Gordon equation, the references for the two-dimensional case are much sparser, and virtually nonexistent for higher dimensions.We apply it to a battery of two-dimensional problems taken from the literature, showing that it largely outperforms the previously existing algorithms; while for three-dimensional problems, the results seem very promising.     

Non-dominance and attitudinal prioritisation methods for intuitionistic and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations

A novel intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) score function and an intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation (IFPR) quantifier guided non-dominance based prioritisation method are introduced. Based on Yager’s continuous OWA (COWA) operator, the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy COWA (IVIF-COWA) operator is defined, and a new attitudinal expected score function for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs) is introduced. The novelty of this attitudinal expected score function is that it allows the comparison of IVIFNs by taking into account of the decision makers’ attitudinal character. Moreover, we show that the new attitudinal expected score function extends: (i) the IFS score function introduced in this paper, which is mathematically equivalent to Chen and Tan’s score function (Chen and Tan, 1994); and (ii) Xu and Chen’s score function for IVIFNs (Xu and Chen, 2007). Using the proposed score functions, a method is developed to construct FPRs from a given IFPR and IVIFPR, respectively. When the hesitancy degree function is null, we prove that the score FPRs coincide with their respective IFPR and IVIFPR. Finally, a ranking sensitivity analysis of the attitudinal expected score function with respect to the attitudinal parameter is provided.     

Chance-constrained model predictive control for spacecraft rendezvous with disturbance estimation

A robust Model Predictive Controller (MPC) is used to solve the problem of spacecraft rendezvous, using the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire model with additive disturbances and line-of-sight constraints. Since a standard (non-robust) MPC is not able to cope with disturbances, a robust MPC is designed using a chance-constrained approach for robust satisfaction of constraints in a probabilistic sense. Disturbances are modeled as Gaussian allowing for an explicit transformation of the probabilistic constraints into simple algebraic constraints. To estimate the distribution parameters a predictor of disturbances is proposed. Both robust and non-robust MPC control laws are compared using the Monte Carlo method, which shows the superiority of the robust MPC.     

Characterization of nickel-bearing ferrites obtained as by-products of hydrochemical wastewater purification processes

The efficiency of the ‘ferrite process’ for the purification of wastewater heavily contaminated with nickel is evaluated, and the solid residues formed are characterised. The efficiency of the purification process is always above 99.9% for Fe²⁺/Ni²⁺ ratios greater than 3. The tested Fe²⁺/Ni²⁺ molar ratios (15/1, 7/1 and 3/1) yielded three different nickel ferrites. Inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), potentiometric titration, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) yielded Ni_xFe_1−x^IIFe₂^IIIO₄ (x=0.18, 0.40 and 0.65, respectively) as the most probable stoichiometry, and inverse spinel as the most probable structure. Heating at 600 °C causes the transformation of the solids into a mixture of NiFe₂O₄, α-Fe₂O₃ and NiO. Electrochemical analysis of the solid nickel ferrites was performed using carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) in HClO₄ and HCl media. In each case, the first cyclic voltammogram showed the participation of solid species in the electrochemical transformation process, since the shape of the redox peaks could be related to the structure and stoichiometry of the ferrites. In second and successive scans, the voltammograms indicated the redox couples Fe_ads³⁺+1e⁻⇔Fe_ads²⁺ (0.525 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and Ni_ads²⁺+2e⁻⇔Ni(s) (−0.470 V) in HClO₄, and FeCl_2,ads⁺+1e⁻⇔FeCl_ads⁺+Cl⁻ (0.475 V) and NiCl_x,ads^(x−2)−+2e⁻⇔Ni(s)+xCl⁻ (−0.550 V) in HCl.     

Dynamic Simulation of Multi-Body Systems on Internet Using CORBA,Java and XML

In this paper a prototype of a computer program for multi-bodysimulation based on the use of CORBA, Java and XML is presented. Thisprototype makes use of a recursive dynamic formalism which outperformsmany implementations based on global formulations. The prototypepresented has been implemented using distributed Object OrientedProgramming techniques. The definition of the multi-body system is donethrough a data file defined using XML (eXtendible Markup Language). Thisprototype implements a `simulation service' on a network of computers,following a client-server scheme. This `simulation service' can operatein two different ways: offering a remote simulation on the server, orproviding a Java compiled code for local simulation on the client. Thepaper describes the practical implementation of such a service. The useof recursive functions and OOP permits the implementation of ageneral-purpose simulation code, which is compact, clear, clean,re-usable and easy to maintain. Once this Java code is compiled, it isstored in less than 125 Kbytes (including the numerical integrators).The Java programming language is used in order to assure compatibilitybetween different platforms. Finally, practical examples which make useof this approach are shown.     

Statistical Pattern Modeling in Vision-Based Quality Control Systems

Machine vision technology improves productivity and quality management and provides a competitive advantage to industries that employ this technology. In this article, visual inspection and quality control theory are combined to develop a robust inspection system with manufacturing applications. The inspection process might be defined as the one used to determine if a given product fulfills a priori specifications, which are the quality standard. In the case of visual inspection, these specifications include the absence of defects, such as lack (or excess) of material, homogeneous visual aspect, required color, predetermined texture, etc. The characterization of the visual aspect of metallic surfaces is studied using quality control chars, which are a graphical technique used to compare on-line capabilities of a product with respect to these specifications. Original algorithms are proposed for implementation in automated visual inspection applications with on-line execution requirements. The proposed artificial vision method is a hybrid between the two usual methods of pattern comparison and theoretical decision. It incorporates quality control theory to statistically model the pattern for defect-free products. Specifically, individual control charts with 6-sigma limits are set so the inspection error is minimized. Experimental studies with metallic surfaces help demonstrate the efficacy and robustness of the proposed methodology.     

A Dynamic Network Model of the Color Visual Pathways for Attentive Recognition

A neural network architecture for the segmentation and recognition of colored and textured visual stimuli is presented. The architecture is based on the Boundary Contour System and Feature Contour System (BCS/FCS) of S. Grossberg and E. Mingolla. The architecture proposes a biologically-inspired mechanism for color processing based on antagonist interactions. It suggests how information from different modalities (i.e. color or texture) can be fused together to form a coherent segmentation of the visual scene. It identifies two stages of visual pattern recognition, namely, a global preattentive recognition of the visual scene followed by a local attentive recognition within a particular visual context. The global and local classification and recognition of visual stimuli use ART-type models of G. Carpenter and S. Grossberg for pattern learning and recognition based on color and texture. One example is presented corresponding to an figure-figure separation task. The architecture provides a mechanism for segmentation, categorization and recognition of images from different classes based on self-organizing principles of perception and pattern recognition.     

A Color Vision-Based Lane Tracking System for Autonomous Driving on Unmarked Roads

This work describes a color Vision-based System intended to perform stable autonomous driving on unmarked roads. Accordingly, this implies the development of an accurate road surface detection system that ensures vehicle stability. Although this topic has already been documented in the technical literature by different research groups, the vast majority of the already existing Intelligent Transportation Systems are devoted to assisted driving of vehicles on marked extra urban roads and highways. The complete system was tested on the BABIECA prototype vehicle, which was autonomously driven for hundred of kilometers accomplishing different navigation missions on a private circuit that emulates an urban quarter. During the tests, the navigation system demonstrated its robustness with regard to shadows, road texture, and weather and changing illumination conditions.