A fourth-order symplectic exponentially fitted integrator

A numerical method for ordinary differential equations is called symplectic if, when applied to Hamiltonian problems, it preserves the symplectic structure in phase space, thus reproducing the main qualitative property of solutions of Hamiltonian systems. In a previous paper [G. Vanden Berghe, M. Van Daele, H. Van de Vyver, Exponential fitted Runge-Kutta methods of collocation type: fixed or variable knot points?, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 159 (2003) 217-239] some exponentially fitted RK methods of collocation type are proposed. In particular, three different versions of fourth-order exponentially fitted Gauss methods are described. It is well known that classical Gauss methods are symplectic. In contrast, the exponentially fitted versions given in [G. Vanden Berghe, M. Van Daele, H. Van de Vyver, Exponential fitted Runge-Kutta methods of collocation type: fixed or variable knot points?, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 159 (2003) 217-239] do not share this property. This paper deals with the construction of a fourth-order symplectic exponentially fitted modified Gauss method. The RK method is modified in the sense that two free parameters are added to the Buthcher tableau in order to retain symplecticity.     

Discrete port-Hamiltonian systems

Either from a control theoretic viewpoint or from an analysis viewpoint it is necessary to convert smooth systems to discrete systems, which can then be implemented on computers for numerical simulations. Discrete models can be obtained either by discretizing a smooth model, or by directly modeling at the discrete level itself. One of the goals of this paper is to model port-Hamiltonian systems at the discrete level. We also show that the dynamics of the discrete models we obtain exactly correspond to the dynamics obtained via a usual discretization procedure. In this sense we offer an alternative to the usual procedure of modeling (at the smooth level) and discretization.     

集成电路测试管理信息系统的设计与实现

本文全面地介绍了集成电路测试管理信息系统的设计与实现技术，包括管理业务分析，系统设计目标、数据库设计、功能模块设计等方面。     

Adding a path connectedness operator to FO+poly (linear)

In the constraint database community FO+poly and FO+linear have been proposed as foundations for spatial database query languages. One of the strengths of this approach is that these languages are a clean and natural generalization of Codd's relational model to a spatial setting. As a result rigorous mathematical study of their expressiveness and complexity can be carried out. Along this line important geometric queries involving connectivity have been shown to be inexpressible in FO+poly and FO+linear. To address this problem we extend both languages with a parameterized path-connectivity predicate Pconn. We show that FO+linear+Pconn and FO+poly+Pconn[3D] are closed and have PTIME data complexity. We also examine the expressiveness of FO+poly+Pconn and FO+linear+Pconn and show that parity and transitive closure are expressible in each. Received: 8 January 2001 / 22 February 2002     

Polymer‐based transistors used as pixel switches in active‐matrix displays

A 2‐in. active‐matrix display was demonstrated, containing 4096 solution‐processed polymer‐based transistors. By using the polymer‐dispersed liquid‐crystal display (LCD) effect, this results in a reflective, low‐power display with paper‐like contrast. The influence of the transistor parameters on the display performance is analyzed by use of a model for charging and discharging of the pixel capacitors. Good agreement was obtained between the model and the experimental data. Scaling behavior allows estimation of the performance required for transistors in a quarter‐VGA display. These requirements are met by solution‐processed pentacene transistors.     

On Average Versus Discounted Reward Temporal-Difference Learning

We provide an analytical comparison between discounted and average reward temporal-difference (TD) learning with linearly parameterized approximations. We first consider the asymptotic behavior of the two algorithms. We show that as the discount factor approaches 1, the value function produced by discounted TD approaches the differential value function generated by average reward TD. We further argue that if the constant function—which is typically used as one of the basis functions in discounted TD—is appropriately scaled, the transient behaviors of the two algorithms are also similar. Our analysis suggests that the computational advantages of average reward TD that have been observed in some prior empirical work may have been caused by inappropriate basis function scaling rather than fundamental differences in problem formulations or algorithms.     

Stabilization of New Phases in Ion-Conducting Nanocomposites

Physical properies of ion-conducting nanocomposites are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the change of the bulk characteristics of ionic salts in the nanocomposites due to the formation of the interface phases. The main thermodynamic reason of the formation of the nanocomposite as well as the stabilization of the interface phases is the adhesion energy _a. At sufficiently high _a values, the ionic salt tends to spread along the oxide surface, which leads to the formation of the nanocomposite on sintering. The adhesion is the result of the interface interaction and incorporates the stage of the specific adsorption of the interface ions. It leads to the formation of the double layer formed by the point defects in the interface region of the ionic salt. In the case of the strong adhesion, the structural reconstruction or the formation of the metastable interface phase takes place. Analysis of the experimental data shows that interface phases exist in composites AgI–Al₂O₃, MeNO₃–Al₂O₃ (Me = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs), CsHSO₄–SiO₂, RbNO₃–SiO₂ and CsCl–Al₂O₃. Their structure may be either epitaxial crystalline, or amorphous. The thickness of the interface phase as estimated on the basis of the brick-wall model is about 3–4 nm.     

Report of the U.S. Department of Energy Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) Panel Reviewing the Theory and Computing Program

This Panel was set up by the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) at its November 2000 meeting for the purpose of addressing questions from the Department of Energy concerning the theory and computing/simulation program of the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. Although the Panel primarily addressed programmatic questions, it acknowledges that the theory and computing in fusion energy sciences has a stellar record of research successes. (A recent FESAC report entitled Opportunities in the Fusion Energy Sciences Program listed a number of theory and computing research highlights.) Last year the National Research Council performed an assessment of the quality of the fusion energy sciences program—including theory and computing—and concluded that the quality of its research is on a par with that of other leading areas of contemporary physical science.     

Ergonomics, gerontechnology, and design for the home-environment

An ergonomic approach could improve the quality of life and activities in daily living. Gerontechnology reduces the effects of age-related impairments with technological devices and particular design for the home-environment. Physiological decline with increasing age renders the daily activities at home more difficult. This paper highlights some "common sense" and specific design suggestions in the entrance and kitchen, aimed to increase the self-sufficiency of elderly people. We suggest that gerontechnology may have a particular role in the improvement of comfort and safety for aged people.