On the robustness of population-based versus point-basedoptimization in the presence of noise

Practical optimization problems often require the evaluation of solutions through experimentation, stochastic simulation, sampling, or even interaction with the user. Thus, most practical problems involve noise. We address the robustness of population-based versus point-based optimization on a range of parameter optimization problems when noise is added to the deterministic objective function values. Population-based optimization is realized by a genetic algorithm and an evolution strategy. Point-based optimization is implemented as the classical Hooke-Jeeves pattern search strategy and threshold accepting as a modern local search technique. We investigate the performance of these optimization methods for varying levels of additive normally distributed fitness-independent noise and different sample sizes for evaluating individual solutions. Our results strongly favour population-based optimization, and the evolution strategy in particular     

Beta-gamma radiation from leaching resistant glasses containing uranium ions

The β and γ decay of uranium atoms from xUO₃(100 - x)[3B₂O₃ · MO] glass systems, where M=Sr or Pb and 0 ≤ × ≤ 20 mol%, is investigated. The γ decay data are very close to each other, for the same UO₃ contents, in both the systems. The composition dependence of the β decay exhibits a lower slope in the lead borate matrix than in the strontium borate matrix. The ratio between the β activity of samples with the same uranium ion concentrations in the two investigated glass systems is a function of the x values. The results are correlated with the amount of radioactive nuclides and with the structural environments of the radionuclides. The leaching treatment in water at temperatures below 100°C evidenced no aqueous dissolution of glass samples.     

Application of shape-memory alloys in nuclear power

Scientific-Research and Design Institute of Electrical Engineering, Special Office of Machine Design. Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 79, No. 4, pp. 304–306, October, 1995.     

Structural strength of frozen soils during thawing

Conclusions Frozen clayey soils of semi-hard and hard consistency and sandy soils of medium density have a structural strength equal to the value of the actual pressure under complete saturation, and, consequently, the suspending effect of water, and their deformation is determined by the presence of ice striations and the extent to which the macropores that form after their complete thawing are interconnected. From The Editorial Office: Problems that are extremely interesting from the scientific and practical standpoint are touched upon in the paper. The authors, however, do not always adequately substantiate their own assumptions. Making note of the influence exerted by the suspending action of water on the settlement of frozen soils, the authors fail to cite data on comparison of the results of settlement computation with allowance for and with disregard of the suspending effect of water and actual settlement; this would impart greater persuasiveness to their assumptions. The authors' conclusions on the structural strength of soils are also insufficiently founded — neither physicomechanical characteristics of the soils under consideration nor geologic sections are cited, and there is no comparison made between computed and actual settlements.By publishing the paper "in order of discussion," therefore, the editorial office hopes that other specialists will participate in the solution of these critical problems.Translated from Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 5, pp. 17–18, September–October, 1989.     

Updated Characteristics of Torrential Pools

Power Technology and Engineering - Advanced methods for determining the hydrological and geomorphological characteristics of torrential pools, which are important for the design of reliable and...     

High-Speed Semiconductor Voltage Regulators for On-Load Distribution Network Transformers

Power Technology and Engineering - The paper presents the results of developing a high-speed semiconductor transformer voltage regulator (STVR) intended for a real-time voltage regulation of 0.4 kV...     

Pole Placement Optimization for SISO Control System

Automation and Remote Control - We consider the control design problem for a linear time-invariant plant. A linear controller is found that minimizes some system performance index, for example, the...     

Robust Stability Conditions for a Family of Linear Discrete-Time Systems Subjected to Uncertainties

Automation and Remote Control - Robust stability conditions are established for a family of linear discrete-time systems subjected to uncertainties. The traditional approach, which involves the...     

Multidimensional Model of Opinion Dynamics in Social Networks: Polarization Indices

Automation and Remote Control - We consider a multidimensional model of opinion dynamics in social networks. Within the framework of the model, the dynamics of two interconnected information...