A Neural Network Approach for Signal Detection in Digital Communications

In this paper, we propose a new approach for signal detection in wireless digital communications based on the neural network with transient chaos and time-varying gain (NNTCTG), and give a concrete model of the signal detector after appropriate transformations and mappings. It is well known that the problem of the maximum likelihood signal detection can be described as a complex optimization problem that has so many local optima that conventional Hopfield-type neural networks fail to solve. By refraining from the serious local optima problem of Hopfield-type neural networks, the NNTCTG makes use of the time-varying parameters of the recurrent neural network to control the evolving behavior of the network so that the network undergoes the transition from chaotic behavior to gradient convergence. It has richer and more flexible dynamics rather than conventional neural networks only with point attractors, so that it can be expected to have much ability to search for globally optimal or near-optimal solutions. After going through a transiently inverse-bifurcation process, the NNTCTG can approach the global optimum or the neighborhood of global optimum of our problem. Simulation experiments have been performed to show the effectiveness and validation of the proposed neural network based method for the signal detection in digital communications.     

新型实用布线算法──L─M算法

本文提出新型布线算法，集李氏迷宫法与线搜索法的长处为一体，以饱和带法进行动态排序，以线搜索法确定借孔位置，然后用李氏法进行单层布线，获得最佳路径，从而达到线型好，布通率高的效果。     

一种自动布线方法：多级线探索法

本文介绍了一种在微机上实现的印制板自动布线方法──多级线探索法及其编程方法。这种方法是基于完备布线算法的概念，通过分析李氏算法和传统线探索法的不足之处而得到的。虽然它也是一种线探索法，但有较传统线探索法更强的探索能力，不需要结合李氏算法而能单独完成布线任务，是一种较理想的算法，通过实验获得了较为满意的效果。     

A new monitoring system for piping systems in fossil fired power plants

A CEC-funded project has been performed to tackle the problem of producing an advanced Life Monitoring System (LMS) which would calculate the creep and fatigue damage experienced by high temperature pipework components. Four areas were identified where existing Life Monitoring System technology could be improved:

1. 1. the inclusion of creep relaxation

2. 2. the inclusion of external loads on components

3. 3. a more accurate method of calculating thermal stresses due to temperature transients

4. 4. the inclusion of high cycle fatigue terms.

The creep relaxation problem was solved using stress reduction factors in an analytical in-elastic stress calculation. The stress reduction factors were produced for a number of common geometries and materials by means of non-linear finite element analysis. External loads were catered for by producing influence coefficients from in-elastic analysis of the particular piping system and using them to calculate bending moments at critical positions on the pipework from load and displacement measurements made at the convenient points at the pipework. The thermal stress problem was solved by producing a completely new solution based on Green's Function and Fast Fourier transforms. This allowed the thermal stress in a complex component to be calculated from simple non-intrusive thermocouple measurements made on the outside of the component. The high-cycle fatigue problem was dealt with precalculating the fatigue damage associated with standard transients and adding this damage to cumulative total when a transient occurred.

The site testing provided good practical experience and showed up problems which would not otherwise have been detected.     

Reliability and performance analysis of time – space – time switching networks with multiple separated space switches

Since electronic switching systems usually require very strict reliability requirements as well as good performance objectives, we need to jointly analyse the performance and reliability of switching systems. In this paper, we compare conventional time–space–time switches with single space switches with those with multiple separated space switches, from the viewpoints of reliability and performance. We consider time–space–time switching networks which consist of N incoming time switches, i.e. one NxN space switch, two (N/2)x(N/2) space switches, and four (N/4)x(N/4) space switches. We introduce a Markov reliability model to study the effect of failures and analyse the reliability and performance of three different types of switching networks in terms of average blocking probability and the mean time to unreliable operation, as we vary the offered traffic. As a result, T–S–T switching networks with multiple separated space switches exhibit better performance and reliability than those with single space switches.     

Practical method for generation expansion planning based on dynamic programming

This paper presents an efficient method which provides the optimal generation mix and the optimal generation construction process. The approximation method in which the dynamic programming technique and gradient method are combined is applied to determine the optimal generation mix with hydropower generation technologies. The successive approximations dynamic programming (SADP) technique, which is very suitable for high-dimensional multistage decision process problems, is used for obtaining the optimal generation construction process. The effectiveness and feasibility of the developed technique are demonstrated on a practical power system model which has five types of generation technologies including a hydropower generation technology.     

Software for dynamic reconfigurable order picking systems

This paper describes an approach, conceptual framework, and software architecture for dynamic reconfiguration of the order picking system. The research and development project was sponsored by the Material Handling Research Center (MHRC), a National Science Foundation sponsored Cooperative Industry/University Research Center. The storage configuration is assumed to be an in-the-aisle order picking system in which stockkeeping units (SKUs) can occupy variable capacity storage locations and stock-splitting is allowed among zones (clusters). The product mix may include multiple product families with different life cycles, correlated demand within families and commonality of demand across families.     

Schubspannungsbomben in Faserverbunden

Shear Bombs in Fibre Composites Despite an optimum external shape non‐load adapted internal fibre orientation can lead to the formation of shear cracks where crossing tension‐compression principal stress trajectories create localized shear peaks. Trees are subject to those failure because they cannot re‐arrange their fibres after wood formation. Bones can adjust their micro‐structure to changing load conditions and in this way can better control shear failure. The engineer working with fibre composites should be alert to avoid fibre arrangements not following the force flow. Localized shear zones may also form near notches similar to normal notch stresses, however they are not always situated at the contour line of the notch.     

Assessment of the types of public building maintenance contracts in Saudi Arabia

The study revealed that Fixed Price, Cost Plus and Purchased Labour contracts are the top three maintenance contracts adopted whilst Unit Price, Cost Plus A Percentage Fee contracts are alternatives used in the Kingdom. Some other types of maintenance contract were thought to be inappropriate by ministry departments.