Decentralized dynamic output feedback for robust stabilization of a class of nonlinear interconnected systems

The objective of this paper is to propose an approach to robust stabilization of systems which are composed of linear subsystems coupled by nonlinear time-varying interconnections satisfying quadratic constraints. The proposed algorithms, which are formulated within the convex optimization framework, employ linear dynamic feedback structure involving local Luenberger-type observers. It is also shown how the new methodology can produce improved results if interconnections have linear parts that are known a priori. Examples of output stabilization of inverted pendulums and decentralized control of a platoon of vehicles are used to illustrate the applicability of the design method.     

High-throughput VLSI Implementations of Iterative Decoders and Related Code Construction Problems

We describe an efficient, fully-parallel Network of Programmable Logic Array (NPLA)-based realization of iterative decoders for structured LDPC codes. The LDPC codes are developed in tandem with the underlying VLSI implementation technique, without compromising chip design constraints. Two classes of codes are considered: one, based on combinatorial objects derived from difference sets and generalizations of non-averaging sequences, and another, based on progressive edge-growth techniques. The proposed implementation reduces routing congestion, a major issue not addressed in prior work. The operating power, delay and chip-size of the circuits are estimated, indicating that the proposed method significantly outperforms presently used standard-cell based architectures. The described LDPC designs can be modified to accommodate widely different requirements, such as those arising in recording systems, as well as wireless and optical data transmission devices.

Translational polygon containment and minimal enclosure using mathematical programming

A new algorithm is given for the two-dimensional translational containment problem: find translations for k polygons which place them inside a polygonal container without overlapping. Both the polygons and the container can be non-convex. The algorithm is based on mathematical programming principles. The containment algorithm is generalized to solve minimal enclosure problems: find the minimal area enclosing square or minimal area enclosing rectangle for k translating polygons. The containment algorithm consists of new algorithms for restriction , evaluation , and subdivision of two-dimensional configuration spaces. Restriction establishes lower bounds through relaxation and the solution of linear programs. Evaluation establishes upper bounds by finding potential solutions. Subdivision branches, when necessary, by introducing a cutting plane. The algorithm shows that either the upper bound of the objective (overlap) is exactly zero or the lower bound is greater than zero. Hence, it gives an exact solution to the containment problem. Experiments show that new containment algorithm clearly outperforms purely geometric containment algorithms. For data sets from the apparel industry, it can solve containment for up to ten non-convex polygons in practice. An implementation of the algorithm given in this paper has been licensed by Gerber Garment Technologies, the largest provider of textile CAD/CAM software in the US, and they are incorporating it into an existing CAD/CAM software product.     

A numerical study of pulverized coal ignition by means of plasma torches in air–coal dust mixture ducts of utility boiler furnaces

Paper presents selected results of numerical simulation of processes in air–coal dust mixture duct of pulverized coal utility boiler furnace with plasma-system for pulverized coal ignition and combustion stabilization. Application of the system in utility boiler furnaces promises to achieve important savings compared with the use of heavy oil burners. Plasma torches are built in air–coal dust mixture ducts between coal mills and burners. Calculations have been performed for one of rectangular air–coal dust mixture ducts with two opposite plasma torches, used in 210 MW_e utility boiler firing pulverized Serbian lignite. The simulations are based on a three-dimensional mathematical model of mass, momentum and heat transfer in reacting turbulent gas-particle flow, specially developed for the purpose. Characteristics of processes in the duct are analyzed in the paper, with respect to the numerical results. The plasma-system thermal effect is discussed as well, regarding corresponding savings of liquid fuel. It has been emphasized that numerical simulation of the processes can be applied in optimization of pulverized coal ignition and combustion stabilization and enables efficient and cost-effective scaling-up procedure from laboratory to industrial scale.     

Regulator of G Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) as a Novel Target for the Treatment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

We and others have previously identified signalling pathways associated with the adenosine A₁ receptor (A₁R) as important regulators of cellular responses to injury in the cochlea. We have shown that the “post-exposure” treatment with adenosine A₁R agonists confers partial protection against acoustic trauma and other forms of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The aim of this study was to determine if increasing A₁R responsiveness to endogenous adenosine would have the same otoprotective effect. This was achieved by pharmacological targeting of the Regulator of G protein Signalling 4 (RGS4). RGS proteins inhibit signal transduction pathways initiated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) by enhancing GPCR deactivation and receptor desensitisation. A molecular complex between RGS4 and neurabin, an intracellular scaffolding protein expressed in neural and cochlear tissues, is the key negative regulator of A₁R activity in the brain. In this study, Wistar rats (6–8 weeks) were exposed to traumatic noise (110 dBSPL, 8–16 kHz) for 2 h and a small molecule RGS4 inhibitor CCG-4986 was delivered intratympanically in a Poloxamer-407 gel formulation for sustained drug release 24 or 48 h after noise exposure. Intratympanic administration of CCG-4986 48 h after noise exposure attenuated noise-induced permanent auditory threshold shifts by up to 19 dB, whilst the earlier drug administration (24 h) led to even better preservation of auditory thresholds (up to 32 dB). Significant improvement of auditory thresholds and suprathreshold responses was linked to improved survival of sensorineural tissues and afferent synapses in the cochlea. Our studies thus demonstrate that intratympanic administration of CCG-4986 can rescue cochlear injury and hearing loss induced by acoustic overexposure. This research represents a novel paradigm for the treatment of various forms of SNHL based on regulation of GPCR.     

Adaptive neuro-fuzzy prediction of flow pattern and gas hold-up in bubble column reactors

Engineering with Computers - The prediction of fluid dynamics in multiphase bubble column reactors is a subject of major concern to appropriately design and optimize them. This paper employs the...     

Turbulent operation of diesel oxidation catalysts for improved removal of particulate matter

This paper proposes that a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) operating within the fully turbulent flow regime is an efficient means of reducing the contents of particulate matter in the exhaust gases. The suggested mode of operation is in contrast to the fact that the DOCs are typically operated within the laminar flow regime. In the paper, the particle trapping efficiency and pollutant conversion in turbulent ceramic DOCs are calculated using both mass-transfer correlations available in the literature and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It is shown that a turbulent DOC substantially increases the removal of small particulates from the exhaust gases. This indicates the potential of the aftertreatment system to comply with the forthcoming number-based emission legislations on particulate matter. In addition, the turbulent DOC can be used to optimize the overall performance of a combined system consisting of a DOC and a diesel particulate filter.     

Effect of Microdiversity and Macrodiversity on Average Bit Error Probability in Gamma‐Shadowed Rician Fading Channels

In this letter, we analyze the error performance of a mobile communication system with microdiversity and macrodiversity reception in gamma‐shadowed Rician fading channels for a binary differential phase‐shift keying modulation scheme. Analytical expressions for the probability density function (PDF) and moment‐generating function (MGF) are derived. The average bit error probability can be calculated by averaging the conditional bit error probability over the PDF or using the MGF‐based approach. Numerical results are graphically presented to show the effects of macrodiversity, correlation, number of diversity branches, and severity of both fading and shadowing.     

Optimization of a nanoparticle ball milling process parameters using the response surface method

Nanocrystalline TiO₂-CeO₂ powders were synthesized from their TiO₂ and CeO₂ oxides using mechanical ball milling process. The response surface method is applied to identify optimal parameters for the synthesis of TiO₂-CeO₂ photocatalyst. Analysis of variance and main effect plot are used to determine the significant parameters and set the optimal level for each parameter. Regression analysis showed good agreement of experimental data with the second-order polynomial model with a coefficients of determination: R²?=?0.991, R²_Adj.?=?0.940 and R²_Pred.?=?0.983. Under optimal experimental conditions of TiO₂:CeO₂ weight percentage ratio 71:29, milling speed 200?rpm, and milling time 115?min the highest photodegradation efficiency was achieved. On the basis of the above statistical analysis, it was found that the band gap energy of TiO₂-CeO₂ nanoparticles decreases with the increase of the milling speed and milling time with constant TiO₂:CeO₂ weight percentage ratio. Obtained results suggest that mechanical ball milling process is a rapid, efficient and low energy consumption method to synthesize TiO₂-CeO₂ photocatalyst.