A new approach to process parameter selection: Integration of quality

This paper proposes an approach to select the process parameters incorporating quality. We used Taguchi's method of process design for parameter selection. The approach is illustrated using experimental data. Only one quality parameter, surface finish, is considered in the experiment.     

Multiple-model based predictive control of nonlinear hybrid systems based on global optimization using the Bernstein polynomial approach

In this paper, we propose a Bernstein polynomial based global optimization algorithm for the optimal feedback control of nonlinear hybrid systems using a multiple-model approach. Specifically, we solve at every sampling instant a polynomial mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem arising in the model predictive control strategy. The proposed algorithm uses the Bernstein polynomial form in a branch-and-bound framework, with new ingredients such as branching for integer decision variables and fathoming for each subproblem in the branch-and-bound tree. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested and compared with existing algorithms on a benchmark three-spherical tank system. The test results show the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.     

Declarative Infrastructure Configuration Synthesis and Debugging

There is a large conceptual gap between end-to-end infrastructure requirements and detailed component configuration implementing those requirements. Today, this gap is manually bridged so large numbers of configuration errors are made. Their adverse effects on infrastructure security, availability, and cost of ownership are well documented. This paper presents ConfigAssure to help automatically bridge the above gap. It proposes solutions to four fundamental problems: specification, configuration synthesis, configuration error diagnosis, and configuration error repair. Central to ConfigAssure is a Requirement Solver. It takes as input a configuration database containing variables, and a requirement as a first-order logic constraint in finite domains. The Solver tries to compute as output, values for variables that make the requirement true of the database when instantiated with these values. If unable to do so, it computes a proof of unsolvability. The Requirement Solver is used in different ways to solve the above problems. The Requirement Solver is implemented with Kodkod, a SAT-based model finder for first-order logic. While any requirement can be directly encoded in Kodkod, parts of it can often be solved much more efficiently by non model-finding methods using information available in the configuration database. Solving these parts and simplifying can yield a reduced constraint that truly requires the power of model-finding. To implement this plan, a quantifier-free form, QFF, is defined. A QFF is a Boolean combination of simple arithmetic constraints on integers. A requirement is specified by defining a partial evaluator that transforms it into an equivalent QFF. This QFF is efficiently solved by Kodkod. The partial evaluator is implemented in Prolog. ConfigAssure is shown to be natural and scalable in the context of a realistic, secure and fault-tolerant datacenter.

Determination of Fracture Parameters for Multiple Cracks of Laminated Composite Finite Plate

A predictive method for estimation of stress state at zone of crack tip and assessment of remaining component lifetime depend on the stress intensity factor (SIF). This paper discusses the numerical approach for prediction of first ply failure load (F_L), progressive failure load, SIF and critical SIF for multiple cracks configurations of laminated composite finite plate using finite element method (FEM). The Hashin and Chang failure criterion are incorporated in ABAQUS using subroutine approach user defined field variables (USDFLD) for prediction of progressive fracture response of laminated composite finite plate, which is not directly available in the software. A tensile experiment on laminated composite finite plate with stress concentration is performed to validate the numerically predicted subroutine results, shows excellent agreement. The typical results are presented to examine effect of changing the crack tip distance (S), crack offset distance (H), and stacking fiber angle (θ) on F_L, and SIF .     

Profile control in distributed parameter systems using lexicographic optimization based MPC

Process equipment that exhibits significant spatial variation of system properties, such as temperature or concentration in a fixed bed reactor, are typically modeled as distributed parameter systems. While some properties of the final product exiting the equipment may depend on the states concerning the endpoint, others may be a function of the history of processing within the equipment. In such instances, control of the spatial property profile may be beneficial. In this work, we explore the idea of profile control using extended MPC and outline the additional challenges that must be addressed in this context. In case that the target profile is unachievable, we present an MPC formulation that uses lexicographic optimization to prioritize the different sections of the profile. Simulation of a simple representative system namely a hypothetical plug flow reactor is used to demonstrate that the lexicographic optimization based MPC provides a systematic approach to profile control and spans between the endpoint control strategy and the whole profile control strategy. The benefits of lexicographic optimization based MPC were also demonstrated on a large-scale distributed parameter system of industrial size, namely the continuous pulp digester.     

W3-privacy: understanding what, when, and where inference channels in multi-camera surveillance video

Huge amounts of video are being recorded every day by surveillance systems. Since video is capable of recording and preserving an enormous amount of information which can be used in many applications, it is worth examining the degree of privacy loss that might occur due to public access to the recorded video. A fundamental requirement of privacy solutions is an understanding and analysis of the inference channels than can lead to a breach of privacy. Though inference channels and privacy risks are well studied in traditional data sharing applications (e.g., hospitals sharing patient records for data analysis), privacy assessments of video data have been limited to the direct identifiers such as people’s faces in the video. Other important inference channels such as location (Where), time (When), and activities (What) are generally overlooked. In this paper we propose a privacy loss model that highlights and incorporates identity leakage through multiple inference channels that exist in a video due to what, when, and where information. We model the identity leakage and the sensitive information separately and combine them to calculate the privacy loss. The proposed identity leakage model is able to consolidate the identity leakage through multiple events and multiple cameras. The experimental results are provided to demonstrate the proposed privacy analysis framework.     

Solvatochromism,halochromism, and azo–hydrazone tautomerism in novel V‐shaped azo‐azine colorants – consolidated experimental and computational approach

The azo–hydrazone tautomerism, solvatochromism, and halochromism in four novel V‐shaped asymmetrical acceptor‐π‐donor‐π‐acceptor (A‐π‐D‐π‐A) compounds were examined. They contain 2,7,15,16‐functionalised benzophenazine cores connected to the anchoring electron‐deficient phenyl core via azo linkers and 2,7‐position fused with anthraquinone. These compounds derived from 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐napthaquinone (lawsone) have been prepared in moderate to good yields. The synthesis involved the diazotisation of substituted aromatic amines, coupling onto 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐napthaquinone, and further condensing the resulting azo compounds with 1,2‐diaminoanthraquinone in acetic acid. The absorption wavelengths of the dyes in different solvents were in the range 500–720 nm. The spectral changes of the synthesised azo‐azine compounds in different pH indicated the formation of hydrazone tautomer in acidic pH and of azo tautomer in alkaline pH. Density functional theory was used to assess the tautomers in terms of geometry and position of the tautomeric equilibrium. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations allowed us to assign the electronic transitions (>90%) of the low‐energy bands.     

Hierarchical WSN protocol with fuzzy multi-criteria clustering and bio-inspired energy-efficient routing (FMCB-ER)

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Wireless Sensors Network (WSN) is used for monitoring and recording the physical environment and to transfer the sensed data to a central location by means of...     

Water Resources Under Climate Change in Himalayan Basins

Water Resources Management - Climate change has significant implications for glaciers and water resources in the Himalayan region. There is an urgent need to improve our current knowledge and...