An efficient algorithm for the tensor product model transformation

The tensor-product (TP) model transformation was proposed recently as a numerical and automatically executable method which is capable of transforming linear parameter varying (LPV) state-space models into the higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) based canonical form of polytopic models. The crucial disadvantage of the TP model transformation is that its computational load explodes with the density of discretization and the dimensionality of the parameter vector of the parameter-varying state-space model. In this paper we propose a new algorithm that leads to considerable reduction of the computation in the TP model transformation. The main idea behind the modified algorithm is to minimize the number of discretized points to acquire as much information as possible. The modified TP model transformation can readily be executed on a regular computer efficiently and concisely, especially in higher dimensional cases when the original TP model transformation fails. The paper also presents numerical examples to show the effectiveness of the new algorithm.     

Positive <Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis><Subscript>1</Subscript>-gain filter design for positive continuous-time Markovian jump systems with partly known transition rates

The paper is concerned with the problem of positive L ₁-gain filter design for positive continuous-time Markovian jump systems with partly known transition rates. Our aim is to design a positive full-order filter such that the corresponding filtering error system is positive and stochastically stable with L ₁-gain performance. By applying a linear co-positive Lyapunov function and free-connection weighting vectors, the desired positive L ₁-gain filter is provided. The obtained theoretical results are demonstrated by numerical examples.     

Vortices around Janus droplets under externally applied electrical field

In this study, the Janus droplet is an oil droplet covered with aluminum oxide nanoparticles on one side of the droplet surface under applied DC electrical field. The vortices around Janus droplets fixed on a horizontal surface were studied in this paper. A numerical model was set up to simulate the vortices around the Janus droplet in electric field. The simulation results illustrate that the electric field determines the strength of the vortices around a fixed Janus droplet, and the surface coverage of the positively charged nanoparticles on a Janus droplet affects the size and location of the vortices. The numerically predicted results were further validated experimentally by visualizing the vortices around Janus droplets in an externally applied DC electric field. Furthermore, as the Janus droplets are generated in electric field, the surface coverage by the nanoparticles depends on the strength of the electric field; therefore, the effect of the electric field on the nanoparticle covered surface area of a Janus droplet and the vortices was analyzed.     

Inertial effects on cylindrical particle migration in linear shear flow near a wall

Micro-/nanoparticle-based systems are regarded as one of the possible candidates due to the engineerability and multifunctionality to maximize the accumulation of the nano-/microparticle-based drug delivery system on the target. Recent advances in nanotechnology enable the fabrication of diverse particle shapes from simple spherical particles to more complex shapes. The particle dynamics in blood flow and endocytosis characteristics of non-spherical particles change as the non-sphericity effect increases. We used a numerical approach to investigate the particle dynamics in linear shear flow near a wall. We examined the dynamics of slender cylindrical particles with aspect ratio γ = 5.0 in terms of particle trajectory, velocity, and force variation for different Stokes numbers over time. We identified the rotating inertia of particle near a wall as the source of inertial migration toward the wall. The drift velocity of slender cylindrical particles is comparable to that of discoidal particles. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of using slender cylindrical particles as a drug delivery system.     

Design of microfluidic channels for magnetic separation of malaria-infected red blood cells

This study is motivated by the development of a blood cell filtration device for removal of malaria-infected, parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs). The blood was modeled as a multi-component fluid using the computational fluid dynamics discrete element method (CFD-DEM), wherein plasma was treated as a Newtonian fluid and the red blood cells (RBCs) were modeled as soft-sphere solid particles which move under the influence of drag, collisions with other RBCs, and a magnetic force. The CFD-DEM model was first validated by a comparison with experimental data from Han and Frazier (Lab Chip 6:265–273, 2006) involving a microfluidic magnetophoretic separator for paramagnetic deoxygenated blood cells. The computational model was then applied to a parametric study of a parallel-plate separator having hematocrit of 40 % with 10 % of the RBCs as pRBCs. Specifically, we investigated the hypothesis of introducing an upstream constriction to the channel to divert the magnetic cells within the near-wall layer where the magnetic force is greatest. Simulations compared the efficacy of various geometries upon the stratification efficiency of the pRBCs. For a channel with nominal height of 100 µm, the addition of an upstream constriction of 80 % improved the proportion of pRBCs retained adjacent to the magnetic wall (separation efficiency) by almost twofold, from 26 to 49 %. Further addition of a downstream diffuser reduced remixing and hence improved separation efficiency to 72 %. The constriction introduced a greater pressure drop (from 17 to 495 Pa), which should be considered when scaling up this design for a clinical-sized system. Overall, the advantages of this design include its ability to accommodate physiological hematocrit and high throughput, which is critical for clinical implementation as a blood-filtration system.     

Iterative learning control for a class of mixed hyperbolic-parabolic distributed parameter systems

This paper deals with the problem of iterative learning control algorithm for a class of mixed distributed parameter systems. Here, the considered distributed parameter systems are composed of mixed hyperbolic-parabolic partial differential equations. The domain of the system is divided into two parts in which the system is hyperbolic and parabolic, respectively, with transmission conditions at the interface. According to the characteristics of the systems, iterative learning control laws are proposed for such mixed hyperbolic-parabolic distributed parameter systems based on P-type learning scheme. Using the contraction mapping method, it is shown that the scheme can guarantee the output tracking errors on L ² space converge along the iteration axis. A simulation example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Gazing Geometries: Modes of Design Thinking in Pre-Modern Central Asia and Persian Architecture

The architecture of the pre-modern Islamic world broadly identifies itself with geometric design. In erecting buildings, architects-engineers of the Islamic world utilized distinct modes of geometric projections vital to the spatial conception of the building. These representations identify three modes of design drawings: plans, revetments/vertical surfaces, and reflected ceiling plans. This paper will discuss these modes of drawings and their unique role in relation to the architectural “design thinking” traditions. Much has been examined regarding two-dimensional Islamic geometric patterns (girih), but little exists in terms of a comprehensive framework investigating various modes of geometric drawings in relation to formal, spatial, and tectonic conceptions of the architectural space. This paper fills a critical gap in the literature about Islamic architecture and examines this topic through primary resources and original pamphlets.     

Was ist starke Authentisierung?

“Simply, people can no longer remember passwords good enough to reliably defend against dictionary attacks, and are much more secure if they choose a password too complicated to remember and then write it down. We’re all good at securing small pieces of paper. I recommend that people write their passwords down on a small piece of paper, and keep it with their other valuable small pieces of paper: in their wallet.”     

Fixing User Authentication for the Internet of Things (IoT)

Over the last few years Internet of Things products have become known for their weak security. News articles regularly describe security vulnerabilities of cars, surveillance cameras, kettles, and other IoT devices. There are, however, recent standardization activities addressing some of these security challenges. This article describes how the work of the IETF and the FIDO Alliance can lead to improved security.     

„E-Mail made in Germany“

Das Projekt ?E-Mail made in Germany“ wurde als Reaktion auf die Enthüllungen von Edward Snowden initiiert. Es ist das erklärte Ziel, den E-Mail-Nutzern in Deutschland einen hohen Sicherheits- und Datenschutzstandard anzubieten. Das Produkt wurde mit einer breit angelegten Werbekampagne beworben. Im Mittelpunkt der Kampagne stand ein 30sekündiger TV-Spot, der auf die Notwendigkeit von sicherer E-Mail-Kommunikation eingeht. Kritiker bemängeln jedoch, dass dabei ein falsches Sicherheitsverständnis von ?E-Mail made in Germany“ vermittelt wird. Dieser Kritik wurde mit einer Laborstudie nachgegangen.