Extension and partial optimization of a modified Smith predictor and controller for unstable processes with time delay

Extension and partial parameter optimization are applied to a modified Smith predictor and controller, designed by de Paor( 1985) for a class of unstable processes having transfer functions of the form k₁A exp(—sT)/B, where A is a monic, Hurwitz polynomial of degree (n — l) and the nth degree monic polynomial B has a single right half-plane root at s=λ It is found that for l = 1,2,3 asymptotic stability can be achieved for λ T> 1, which more than doubles the best result obtained earlier. For a specific process, responses are compared with those obtained using the optimum stability PI controller of de Paor and O'Malley (1989). The advantages of the optimized, modified predictor in terms of tightness of control and faster settling time are highlighted     

Some results on the improvement of adaptation transients

A technique to improve the adaptation transient in discrete-time model reference adaptive control (MRAC) systems is given on the basis of applying classical optimization techniques to an equivalent near-linear system to the whole adaptive scheme. The resulting optimization is finally translated into modifications of one of the parameters entering the adaptation algorithm. This permits computation of a posteriori values of the adaptive controller parameters before generation of the input to the plant.     

纺织专家系统中知识与知识库的应用

专家系统是人工智能的一个分支，是一种模拟专家决策能力的计算机系统，知识库是系统的重要组成部分，是系统的核心。本文结合纺织工艺设计及管理专家系统介绍了基于知识的专家系统的概念和结构，对系统中知识的获取、存储方式予以说明．并对其知识的表示方法加以阐述。     

基于MPLS的IPTV QoS研究

MPLS(Multi-Protocol Label Switch)和服务质量(QoS)是与下一代网络相关的重要技术.作者首先介绍了QoS的两种模型:综合服务(IntServ)和区分服务(DiffServ)模型,然后描述了基于MPLS网络的DiffServ模型的实现.文中介绍了网络电视(IPTV)系统的组成和存在的问题,并提出了一个基于MPLS的QoS区分服务模型改进方案.     

Sensory Evaluation and Acceptability of Cookies Enriched with Sweet Lupine Flour (Lupinus albus cv Multolupa)

Cookies enriched with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% full-fat sweet lupine flour (FFSL) were evaluated by a sensory panel using the rank of preference and paired comparison tests. Cookies with 0, 5, and 10% FFSL were preferred while those containing 20 and 25% FFSL were rejected (p≤0.01). Studies conducted with school children showed similar acceptability for 0 and 10% FFSL-containing cookies which was different (p = 0.05) from those containing 20% FFSL. Fortification of the basic formula with 10% FFSL was recommended on the basis of acceptability.     

Continuous mobile robot localization by using structured light and a geometric map

A mobile robot needs to know its position and orientation with accuracy in order to decide the control actions that permit it to finish the entrusted tasks successfully. To obtain this information, dead-reckoning-based systems have been used, and more recently inertial navigation systems. However, these systems have some errors that grow bigger as time goes by, therefore a moment comes when the information provided is useless. Because of this, there should be a periodic process that updates the robot position and orientation of the vehicle. The process to determine the robot position and orientation by using information originated from the external sensors is defined as the mobile robot relocalization. It is obvious that the greater the frequency of this process, the better the knowledge of its position the robot will have, and therefore its movements will be better directed to the point it must reach. The algorithm to achieve this can be classified in two large groups: relocalization through an a priori map of the environment and relocalization through the detection of landmarks present in that environment. The algorithm presented in the paper belongs to the first case. The sensor used is a combination of a laser diode and a CCD camera. The sensorial information is modelled as straight lines that will be matched with an a priori map of the environment. With this, the position of the mobile robot is estimated. The matching process is accomplished within an extended Kalman filter. The algorithm is able to work in real time, and it actualizes the position of the robot in a continuous way.     

Billing third party payers for pharmaceutical care services

OBJECTIVE: To describe the steps pharmacists must complete when seeking compensation from third party payers for pharmaceutical care services. DATA SOURCES: Government publications; professional publications, including manuals and newsletters; authors' personal experience. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pharmacists in increasing numbers are meeting with success in getting reimbursed by third party payers for patient care activities. However, many pharmacists remain reluctant to seek compensation because they do not understand the steps involved. Preparatory steps include obtaining a provider/supplier number, procuring appropriate claim forms, developing data collection and documentation systems, establishing professional fees, creating a marketing plan, and developing an accounting system. To bill for specific patient care services, pharmacists need to collect the patient's insurance information, obtain a statement of medical necessity from the patient's physician, complete the appropriate claim form accurately, and submit the claim with supporting documentation to the insurer. Although many claims from pharmacists are rejected initially, pharmacists who work with third party payers to understand the reasons for denial of payment often receive compensation when claims are resubmitted. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists who follow these guidelines for billing third party payers for pharmaceutical care services should notice an increase in the number of paid claims.     

Nonlinear optics and solid-state lasers: 2000

Progress in solid-state laser sources and the nonlinear frequency conversion of lasers has been impressive over the first forty years of their development. The paper reviews the progress with an emphasis on the interactions of the scientists and engineers involved in the work and the motivation for the research. This account, is highly personal and necessarily incomplete. The references cited point to the key results and to reviews of progress in nonlinear optics and solid-state laser sources and should assist those seeking to learn about the field as it developed