Sliding mode control for multi-agent systems under a time-varying topology

This paper addresses the tracking problem of a class of multi-agent systems under uncertain communication environments which has been modelled by a finite number of constant Laplacian matrices together with their corresponding scheduling functions. Sliding mode control method is applied to solve this nonlinear tracking problem under a time-varying topology. The controller of each tracking agent has been designed by using only its own and neighbours’ information. Sufficient conditions for the existence of a sliding mode control tracking strategy have been provided by the solvability of linear matrix inequalities. At the end of this work, numerical simulations are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed sliding mode control tracking strategy.     

Univariate marginal distribution algorithm dynamics for a class of parametric functions with unitation constraints

In this paper, we introduce a mathematical model for analyzing the dynamics of the univariate marginal distribution algorithm (UMDA) for a class of parametric functions with isolated global optima. We prove a number of results that are used to model the evolution of UMDA probability distributions for this class of functions. We show that a theoretical analysis can assess the effect of the function parameters on the convergence and rate of convergence of UMDA. We also introduce for the first time a long string limit analysis of UMDA. Finally, we relate the results to ongoing research on the application of the estimation of distribution algorithms for problems with unitation constraints.     

Stability radius of implicit dynamic equations with constant coefficients on time scales

This paper deals with the stability radii of implicit dynamic equations on time scales when the structured perturbations act on both the coefficient of derivative and the right-hand side. Formulas of the stability radii are derived as a unification and generalization of some previous results. A special case where the real stability radius and the complex stability radius are equal is studied. Examples are derived to illustrate results.     

An Internet-based negotiation server for e-commerce

This paper describes the design and implementation of a replicable, Internet-based negotiation server for conducting bargaining-type negotiations between enterprises involved in e-commerce and e-business. Enterprises can be buyers and sellers of products/services or participants of a complex supply chain engaged in purchasing, planning, and scheduling. Multiple copies of our server can be installed to complement the services of Web servers. Each enterprise can install or select a trusted negotiation server to represent his/her interests. Web-based GUI tools are used during the build-time registration process to specify the requirements, constraints, and rules that represent negotiation policies and strategies, preference scoring of different data conditions, and aggregation methods for deriving a global cost-benefit score for the item(s) under negotiation. The registration information is used by the negotiation servers to automatically conduct bargaining type negotiations on behalf of their clients. In this paper, we present the architecture of our implementation as well as a framework for automated negotiations, and describe a number of communication primitives which are used in the underlying negotiation protocol. A constraint satisfaction processor (CSP) is used to evaluate a negotiation proposal or counterproposal against the registered requirements and constraints of a client company. In case of a constraint violation, an event is posted to trigger the execution of negotiation strategic rules, which either automatically relax the violated constraint, ask for human intervention, invoke an application, or perform other remedial operations. An Event-Trigger-Rule (ETR) server is used to manage events, triggers, and rules. Negotiation strategic rules can be added or modified at run-time. A cost-benefit analysis component is used to perform quantitative analysis of alternatives. The use of negotiation servers to conduct automated negotiation has been demonstrated in the context of an integrated supply chain scenario. Received: 30 October 2000 / Accepted: 12 January 2001 Published online: 2 August 2001     

Estimation of the Bivariate Stable Spectral Representation by theProjection Method

A method of estimating the spectral representation of a generalized bivariatestable distribution is presented, based on a series of maximum likelihood (ML)estimates of the stable parameters of univariate projections of the data. Thecorresponding stable spectral density is obtained by solving a quadraticprogram. The proposed method avoids the often arduous task of computing themultivariate stable density, relying instead on the standard univariate stabledensity. The paper applies this projection procedure, under the simplifyingassumption of symmetry, to simulated data as well as to foreign exchangereturn data, with favorable results. Kanter projection coefficients governingconditional expectations are computed from the estimated spectral density. For the simulated data these compare well to their known true values.     

OEM战略下的制造业国际化

目前国内许多企业都在实施OEM战略,本文论述了如何将OEM战略与企业国际化的发展有机的相结合,并对中国企业国际化做出了展望。     

Compositional pattern producing networks: A novel abstraction of development

Natural DNA can encode complexity on an enormous scale. Researchers are attempting to achieve the same representational efficiency in computers by implementing developmental encodings, i.e. encodings that map the genotype to the phenotype through a process of growth from a small starting point to a mature form. A major challenge in in this effort is to find the right level of abstraction of biological development to capture its essential properties without introducing unnecessary inefficiencies. In this paper, a novel abstraction of natural development, called Compositional Pattern Producing Networks (CPPNs), is proposed. Unlike currently accepted abstractions such as iterative rewrite systems and cellular growth simulations, CPPNs map to the phenotype without local interaction, that is, each individual component of the phenotype is determined independently of every other component. Results produced with CPPNs through interactive evolution of two-dimensional images show that such an encoding can nevertheless produce structural motifs often attributed to more conventional developmental abstractions, suggesting that local interaction may not be essential to the desirable properties of natural encoding in the way that is usually assumed.

宁夏北部引黄灌区高效节水灌溉发展思路与建议

在总结引黄灌区高效节水灌溉成就基础上,分析了灌区高效节水灌溉推广存在的问题,提出了灌区发展高效节水灌溉的思路与模式.结合灌区“十二五”高效节水灌溉规划,提出了推广高效节水灌溉的建议,认为要推动灌区高效节水技术广泛应用,在政府的扶持、调控和引导下,除了设计单位优化设计、确定合理灌溉制度,施工单位保质保量完成工程外,还需抓好推广服务体系建设,开展节水设备产品检测认证工作,并进行节水技术培训与宣传工作.     

An iterative algorithm based on the piecewise linear system for solving bilateral obstacle problems

In this paper, we derive the piecewise linear system (PLS) associated with the bilateral obstacle problem and illustrate the equivalence between the linear system and finite-dimensional complementary problem. The existence and the uniqueness of the solution to the PLS are also demonstrated. Based on the PLS, a Picard iterative algorithm is proposed. The convergence analysis is given and examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the method.     

Cost efficiency comparison of four video-based techniques for assessing upper arm postures

Many video-based techniques for assessing postures at work have been developed. Choosing the most appropriate technique should be based on an evaluation of different alternatives in terms of their ability to produce posture information at low input costs, i.e. their cost efficiency. This study compared four video-based techniques for assessing upper arm postures, using cost and error data from an investigation on hairdressers. Labour costs associated with the posture assessments from the video recordings were the dominant factor in the cost efficiency comparison. Thus, a work sampling technique associated with relatively large errors appeared, in general, to be the most cost-efficient because it was labour-saving. Measurement bias and other costs than labour cost for posture assessment influenced the ranking and economic evaluation of techniques, as did the applied measurement strategy, i.e. the numbers of video recordings and repeated assessments of them. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: The cost efficiency of four video-based techniques for assessing upper arm postures was compared. Work sampling techniques were in general more cost efficient than continuous observations since they were labour-saving. Whilst a labour cost dominated the comparison, 'hidden costs', bias and measurement strategy also influenced this dominance.