APPLICATION OF A PERTURBATION THEORY FOR EVALUATION ALGORITHMS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF A CONTINUOUS PLANT FROM DISCRETE DATA

Abstract

A perturbation theory for evaluation algorithms of arithmetic expressions is applied to the generalized least-squares identification of the continuous parameters by using nonperiodic discrete data. The sampling instants are distributed in such a way that a sequence of the elemental arithmetic expressions of the identification algorithm are suboptimized according to bang-bang rules on the extrema of appropriate variation intervals. The weighting scalars in the generalized least-squares method are updated with the same purpose.     

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     

Implant surface features as key role on cell behavior

It has been recognized that physical and chemical properties of biomaterial surfaces mediate the quality of extracellular matrix (ECM) that may affect cell behaviors. In nature, ECM is a heterogeneous three-dimensional superstructure formed by three major components, glycosaminoglycan, glycoconjugate, and protein, that anchors cellular compartments in tissues and regulates the function and the behavior of cells. Changes in the biointerface alter the quality of ECM and morphology through cell surface receptors, which, in turn, enable it to trigger specific cell signaling and different cellular responses. In fact, a number of strategies have been used to improve the functionality of surfaces and direct cell behavior through precisely designed environments. Herein, we aimed to discuss, through a science-based viewpoint, the biomaterial surface features on cell behavior and analyze the impact of cell physical modification on dental implant development.     

The measurements of autonomy and technology for task svstems design

Numerous experiments in job enlargement, direct worker participation and autonomous workgroups have been reported. However, little cumulative knowledge has been gained through a lack of conceptual and theoretical bases. Moreover, worker autonomy and technology, the major variables in those experiments either were measured by questioning workers and supervisors and are consequently modified by their perception, or were measured in a very broad fashion.

In the present work more objective and specific measures for technology and autonomy, which can link job design research and experiments with job design practice, were developed and validated. Automony and technology are of course multidimensional concepts. Relevant aspects for job design are derived from a model for task related decision making which shows that the degree of worker autonomy is contingent on task technology and worker characteristics.

Technology is measured by cycle time, task repetitiveness, task skill level, disturbance level of a task and the disruption potential of a task system, through observation. A distinction is made between autonomy in regulation, which keeps the process on target by counteracting disturbances and autonomy in control which specifies targets. Measures for both types of autonomy are developed. The measures of technology and autonomy were tested in a sample consisting of 411 work stations in industry and proved to be effective and efficient for job design purposes.     

Exploring Homeless People's Use of Outreach Services: Applying a Social Psychological Perspective

A number of critiques have been published drawing attention to the gaps in research methods applied to issues surrounding homelessness and service utilisation in Britain. This paper discusses the use of social identity, a theory drawn from the field of applied social psychology, and synthesises it with the pathways model, thereby providing a framework to further explore service utilisation. The synthesised framework was used to predict the uptake of outreach services in a prospective study of 121 homeless people in a major UK city. In general, homeless people's use of intervention services was affected by the extent to which they identified with the support services themselves. The study demonstrates the central role of social identity in understanding service utilisation patterns, and shows the importance of applying fresh techniques to fine-tune our understanding of uptake in the long term.     

Quantification of structural changes in acute inflammation by fractal dimension,angular second moment and correlation

The aim of the study was to examine alteration and possible application of fractal dimension, angular second moment, and correlation for quantification of structural changes in acutely inflamed tissue. Acute inflammation was induced by injection of turpentine oil into the right and left hind limb muscles of mice, whereas control animals received intramuscular saline injection. After 12 h, animals were anesthetised and treated muscles collected. The tissue was stained by hematoxylin and eosin, digital micrographs produced, enabling determination of fractal dimension of the cells, angular second moment and correlation of studied tissue. Histopathological analysis showed presence of inflammatory infiltrate and tissue damage in inflammatory group, whereas tissue structure in control group was preserved, devoid of inflammatory infiltrate. Fractal dimension of the cells, angular second moment and correlation of treated tissue in inflammatory group decreased in comparison to the control group. In this study, we were first to observe and report that fractal dimension of the cells, angular second moment, and correlation were reduced in acutely inflamed tissue, indicating loss of overall complexity of the cells in the tissue, the tissue uniformity and structure regularity. Fractal dimension, angular second moment and correlation could be useful methods for quantification of structural changes in acute inflammation.     

GEOSTATIONARY STATION-KEEPING BY ION THRUSTERS: GENETIC ALGORITHMS OPTIMIZATION

The orbital control of geostationary satellites requires the periodic execution of manoeuvres for gravitational and solar radiation perturbation compensation. To maintain a fine control of the satellite position, it is usually sufficient to perform orbit corrections every two weeks, firing chemical thrusters. The operational load for the manoeuvre's planning and execution is usually quite low. Innovative technologies for station-keeping are available now, based on high efficiency ion thrusters, which allow a significant propellant saving. They are included in Artemis, a telecommunications satellite developed by the European Space Agency. When low acceleration ion thrusters are adopted, a near continuous orbit control is required; the resulting long firing arcs can be in conflict with some operational or technical constraints. The station-keeping planning is a critical process, since it is not based on periodic impulsive manoeuvres, but rather on quasi-continuous firings. Furthermore the orbit control should be planned more on a seasonal or a yearly cycle rather than on short weekly cycles. Since each manoeuvre is defined by its start time and duration, the total number of parameters involved in a station-keeping optimization process amounts to several tens. The presence of many variables and logical constraints makes the use of classical optimization methods quite complex. The model proposed here is based on genetic algorithms, which allows the convergence to an optimum solution through successive iterations, in which a random set of solutions is progressively selected on the basis of a factor of merit tailored to the target. This paper presents some innovative concepts for station-keeping optimization when ion propulsion is adopted for orbital control; furthermore, the general properties of genetic algorithms are discussed, together with the results obtained in the specific station-keeping application.