Application of the OBD method for optimization of neural state variable estimators of the two-mass drive system

This paper presents neural estimators of the mechanical state variables of the electrical drive system with elastic joints. The non-measurable state variables, as the torsional torque and the load machine speed are estimated using multilayer feed-forward neural networks. The main stages of the design methodology of these neural estimators are presented. The optimal brain damage method is implemented for the structure optimization of each neural network. Then signals estimated by neural estimators are tested in the electrical drive control structure with additional feedbacks from the estimated shaft torque and the difference between the motor and the load speeds. The simulation results show good accuracy of both presented neural estimators for the wide range of changes of the reference speed and the load torque. The simulation results are then verified by laboratory experiments.     

Speeding up global optimization with the help of intelligent supervisors

It is shown in the paper that Developmental Genetic Programming is an efficient tool for evolutionary development of intelligent supervisors that solve an extension of Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem. The extension assumes that resources are only partially available. It also assumes that renewable resources affect the project cost. The cost should be as low as possible and a deadline of the project must be met. This is apparent with regard to software houses and building enterprises. Computational experiments showed that supervisors find solutions of the problem much faster than other genetic approaches. A specific property of the supervisor is that it has various strategies of allocating the resources to the tasks. The supervisor uses the strategies in order to develop a procedure for producing the best schedule for the whole project. The analysis of the evolutionary process was performed and experimental results were compared with the optimal ones obtained by means of the exhaustive search method.     

Erotetic Search Scenarios and Three-Valued Logic

Our aim is to model the behaviour of a cognitive agent trying to solve a complex problem by dividing it into sub-problems, but failing to solve some of these sub-problems. We use the powerful framework of erotetic search scenarios (ESS) combined with Kleene’s strong three-valued logic. ESS, defined on the grounds of Inferential Erotetic Logic, has appeared to be a useful logical tool for modelling cognitive goal-directed processes. Using the logical tools of ESS and the three-valued logic, we will show how an agent could solve the initial problem despite the fact that the sub-problems remain unsolved. Thus our model not only indicates missing information but also specifies the contexts in which the problem-solving process may end in success despite the lack of information. We will also show that this model of problem solving may find use in an analysis of natural language dialogues.     

Quantum steering borders in three-qubit systems

We discuss a family of states describing three-qubit systems in a context of quantum steering phenomena. We show that symmetric steering cannot appear between two qubits—only asymmetric steering can appear in such systems. The main aim of this paper is to discuss the possible relations between the entanglement measures and steering parameter for two-mode mixed state corresponding to the qubit–qubit subsystem. We have derived the conditions determining boundary values of the negativity parametrized by concurrence. We show that two-qubit mixed state cannot be steerable when the negativity of such state is smaller than, or equal to, its boundary value. Finally, we have found ranges of the values of the mixedness measure, parametrized by concurrence and negativity for steerable and unsteerable two-qubit mixed states.     

Analytical benchmarks for topological optimization IV: square-shaped line support

Michell’s problem of optimizing truss topology for stress or compliance constraints under a single load condition is solved analytically for plane trusses having a square-shaped line support. Geometrical characteristics of the Hencky nets giving the truss layout are expressed in terms of Lommel functions. Analytically derived truss volumes for the above problem are compared with those of trusses supported along circles of equivalent area. Some general implications of the results are also discussed.     

Ordering within precipitates in copper-nickel-titanium alloys

The precipitation process in alloys containing 4% Ti and 5 to 16% Ni was investigated using transmission electron microscopy, hardness and electrical conductivity measurements. After ageing, spherical -Ni₃Ti precipitates with ordered DO₂₂ superlattice were observed in alloys CuTiNi5 to 10 and the L1₂ superlattice in the CuTi4Ni16 alloy. With increasing nickel content the size of precipitates decreases; this has only a minor influence on the age hardening. The CuTiNi10 alloy has the best electrical conductivity approaching 18m^–1mm^–2.     

A socioeconomic model for managing water resources in Alicante,southeast Spain

The study analyzes variables that influence the water management model based on a simultaneous relationship between competing demands in the Marina Baja of Alicante, using a methodology that directly links together urban and irrigation demands, making them relevant to each other from a socioeconomic point of view. The paper identifies the relevant variables of this model and the agent behaviour in a closed and joint system. It also aims to demonstrate that by considering water demands for different yet simultaneous uses and regarding clean and reclaimed waters as integrated resources, the system could remain in equilibrium without external water supplies.     

A collaborative platform for cognitive decision making in the Knowledge Society

Two key aspects of the Knowledge Society are the interconnection between the actors involved in the decision making processes and the importance of the human factor, particularly the citizen’s continuous learning and education. This paper presents a new module devoted to knowledge extraction and diffusion that has been incorporated into a previously developed decision making tool concerning the Internet and related with the multicriteria selection of a discrete number of alternatives (PRIOR-Web). Quantitative and qualitative procedures using data and text mining methods have been employed in the extraction of knowledge. Graphical visualisation tools have been incorporated in the diffusion stage of the methodological approach suggested when dealing with decision making in the Knowledge Society. The resulting collaborative platform is being used as the methodological support for the cognitive democracy known as e-cognocracy.