On the convergence of iterative methods for stabilized saddle point problems

The convergence of the inexact Uzawa method for stabilized saddle point problems was analysed in a recent paper by Cao, Evans and Qin. We show that this method converges under conditions weaker than those stated in their paper.     

Modeling and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for PV array under partial shade conditions

Influenced by partial shade, PV module aging or fault, there are multiple peaks on PV array's output power–voltage (P–V) characteristic curve. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are effective for single peak P–V characteristic under uniform solar irradiation, but they may fail in global MPP tracking under multi-peak P–V characteristics. Existing methods in literature for this problem are still unsatisfactory in terms of effectiveness, complexity and speed. In this paper, we first analyze the mathematical model of PV array that is suitable for simulation of complex partial shade situation. Then an adaptive MPPT (AMPPT) method is proposed, which can find real global maximum power point (MPP) for different partial shade conditions. When output characteristic of PV array varies, AMPPT will adjust tracking strategies to search for global peak area (GPA). Then it is easy for conventional MPPT to track the global MPP in GPA. Simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed AMPPT method is able to find real global MPP accurately, quickly and smoothly for complex multi-peak P–V characteristics. Comparison analysis results demonstrate that AMPPT is more effective for most shade types.     

Fixed points of an F-contraction on metric spaces with a graph

We introduce a new type of contraction on a metric space endowed with a graph and prove fixed point theorems that generalize some of the results related with G-contraction for a directed graph G. Examples are given to justify that our contractions are more general than many others in this area.     

ASYMPTOTIC INFERENCES FOR AN AR(1) MODEL WITH A CHANGE POINT: STATIONARY AND NEARLY NON‐STATIONARY CASES

This article examines the asymptotic inference for AR(1) models with a possible structural break in the AR parameter β near the unity at an unknown time k₀. Consider the model y_t = β₁y_{t − 1}I{t ≤ k₀} + β₂y_{t − 1}I{t > k₀} + ϵ_t, t = 1,2, … ,T, where I{ ⋅ } denotes the indicator function. We examine two cases: case I | β₁ | < 1,β₂ = β_2T = 1 − c ∕ T; and case II β₁ = β_1T = 1 − c ∕ T, | β₂ | < 1, where c is a fixed constant, and {ϵ_t,t ≥ 1} is a sequence of i.i.d. random variables, which are in the domain of attraction of the normal law with zero means and possibly infinite variances. We derive the limiting distributions of the least squares estimators of β₁ and β₂ and that of the break‐point estimator for shrinking break for the aforementioned cases. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to demonstrate the finite‐sample properties of the estimators. Our theoretical results are supported by Monte Carlo simulations.     

Implementation of neuro-fuzzy system with modified high performance genetic algorithm on embedded systems

In this paper implementation of ANFIS on embedded systems based on single-core and multi-core ARM processors is presented. A novel evolutionary optimization tool named, modified high performance genetic algorithm (mHPGA) with bacterial conjugation operator is applied to ANFIS as a training method. Fixed point and floating point number representations are applied and compared. Moreover new mutation algorithm has been proposed for fixed point numbers. The proposed method is designed to sweep numbers space to search possible solutions in large state space. Concurrency nature of mHPGA benefits implementation of multi threading feature on ARM cortex-A53 with four cores.     

A survey on nonlinear analog-to-digital converters

This paper presents a survey on Nonlinear Analog-to-Digital converters (ADC). This class of converters is extremely relevant in applications where there is a need for non-uniform quantization characteristic, for example, some specific applications in the areas of light detection, hearing aid, nuclear physics, image acquisition, communication systems, etc. This survey outlines the state-of-the-art Nonlinear ADC topologies, such as, floating point, logarithmic, piecewise linear and oversampled nonlinear converters, and discusses their performance and advantages in terms of their applications.     

融合注意力机制和多任务学习的机器人抓取检测算法

抓取主要分为抓取检测、轨迹规划和执行环节，准确的抓取检测是完成抓取任务的关键。为进行更准确的抓取检测，提高机器人抓取性能表现，本研究以关键点检测算法为基础，提出了一种融合注意力和多任务学习的抓取检测算法。首先，针对任务特点，在特征提取环节引入CA(coordinate attention)注意力模块，显式的学习通道和空间特征，充分利用特征信息。其次，在损失函数环节加入多任务权重学习算法，学习抓取中心坐标、抓手开合宽度及旋转角度信息的最优权重。最后，在Cornell数据集以及更大规模的Jacquard数据集上进行试验。研究结果表明，所提方法相比滑动窗口和锚框类型等经典方法在检测速率上有明显提升，且与单纯的关键点检测方法相比有更高的准确率，所提模型在两个数据集上分别取得98.8%和95.7%的准确率。检测示例体现出所提模型对于非常规物体也有良好的抓取结果，不同Jaccard系数条件下的抓取结果显示模型在精准抓取方面有优秀性能，而对于权重学习算法的不同初始值试验则表明所提模型具有良好的鲁棒性。此外，通过消融实验分析了不同模块对于模型性能表现的影响程度。     

Energetically optimal running requires torques about the centre of mass

Bipedal animals experience ground reaction forces (GRFs) that pass close to the centre of mass (CoM) throughout stance, first decelerating the body, then re-accelerating it during the second half of stance. This results in fluctuations in kinetic energy, requiring mechanical work from the muscles. However, here we show analytically that, in extreme cases (with a very large body pitch moment of inertia), continuous alignment of the GRF through the CoM requires greater mechanical work than a maintained vertical force; we show numerically that GRFs passing between CoM and vertical throughout stance are energetically favourable under realistic conditions; and demonstrate that the magnitude, if not the precise form, of actual CoM-torque profiles in running is broadly consistent with simple mechanical work minimization for humans with appropriate pitch moment of inertia. While the potential energetic savings of CoM-torque support strategies are small (a few per cent) over the range of human running, their importance increases dramatically at high speeds and stance angles. Fast, compliant runners or hoppers would benefit considerably from GRFs more vertical than the zero-CoM-torque strategy, especially with bodies of high pitch moment of inertia—suggesting a novel advantage to kangaroos of their peculiar long-head/long-tail structure.     

Improved tooth trajectory model for prediction of milled surface geometry

The prediction on surface roughness and surface geometry in peripheral milling operation is a crucial but tedious task. The current researches concerned are almost based on circular tooth trajectory assumption to simplify analysis and modeling, and some models derived from true tooth trajectory are not concise enough or have certain limitation when put into practice. A novel idea on account of the principle of curvature circle approximation to true tooth path curve in cutting contact point nearby is presented, and the relevant mathematical theory is established. Then by means of specific curvature circles, mathematical models and analysis methods of surface roughness are discussed systematically, which cover two situations—cutting with and without runout effect. The validity and superiority of the models are demonstrated by experimental studies and numerical simulations. Finally, based on the suggested models and analytical methods, the effects of runout, feed rate, and cutter geometry on surface roughness and geometry are studied in depth, and several significant mathematical formulas and quantitative conclusions are reached, which would contribute to the theory of milled surface studies.     

Cloud Point Extraction and Spectrophotometric Determination of Sulfide in Water Samples using Ethylene Blue Formation Reaction

Abstract

A rapid, selective, and sensitive cloud point extraction process using mixed micelle of a nonionic surfactant, Triton X-114, and an anionic surfactant, SDS, to extract sulfide from aqueous solutions was investigated. The method is based on the color reaction of sulfide with N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) in the presence of suitable oxidizing reagent (Fe³⁺) in acid media and cloud point extraction of ethylene blue (EB) dye. Various factors and optimal extraction and reaction conditions like: acid, Fe³⁺, reagent, and surfactant concentration were studied and the analytical characteristics of the method (e.g., limit of detection, linear range, RSD%) were obtained. Linearity was obeyed in the range of 1–100 ng mL^?1 of sulfide ion. The detection limit of the method is 0.5 ng mL^?1 of sulfide ion. The interference effect of some anions, cations, and neutral species was also tested. The method was applied to the determination of sulfide in spring, river, and waste water samples.