PI control of discrete linear repetitive processes

Repetitive processes are a distinct class of 2D systems (i.e. information propagation in two independent directions) of both systems theoretic and applications interest. They cannot be controlled by direct extension of existing techniques from either standard (termed 1D here) or 2D systems theory. In this paper, we exploit their unique physical structure to show how two term, i.e. proportional plus integral (or PI) action, can be used to control these processes to produce desired behavior (as opposed to just stability).     

Plane Problem for Layered Composites with Periodic Array of Interfacial Cracks Under Compressive Static Loading

The current paper addresses the problem of 2-D modelling of the onset of failure process in a layered composite with periodic array of interfacial cracks under static compression along layers. The statement of the problem is based on the most accurate approach, the model of piecewise-homogenous medium. The condition of plane strain state is considered. The shear and the extensional buckling modes are examined. The laminae are modelled by transversally isotropic material (a matrix reinforced by continuous parallel fibres). The complex non-classical failure mechanics problem is solved utilizing finite element analysis. It is found that the 0°-plies volume fraction, the crack length and the mutual position of cracks influence the critical strain in the composite.     

Galanin Receptors (GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3) Expression in Colorectal Cancer Tissue and Correlations to the Overall Survival and Poor Prognosis of CRC Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer in women and the third in men. The postoperative pathomorphological evaluation of patients with CRC is extremely important for future therapeutic decisions. Although our previous studies demonstrated high galanin (GAL) presence within tumor tissue and an elevated concentration of GAL in the serum of CRC patients, to date, there is a lack of data regarding GAL receptor (GalR) protein expression in CRC cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of all three types of GalRs (GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3) within epithelial cells of the human colon and CRC tissue with the use of the immunohistochemical method and to correlate the results with the clinical-pathological data. We found stronger immunoreactivity of GalR1 and GalR3 in CRC cells compared to epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa of the large intestine. No differences in the GalR2 protein immunoreactivity between the studied tissues were noted. We also found that the increased immunoexpression of the GalR3 in CRC tissue correlated with the better prognosis and longer survival (p < 0.0079) of CRC patients (n = 55). The obtained results suggest that GalR3 may play the role of a prognostic factor for CRC patients. Based on data from the TCGA-COAD project deposited in the GDC Data Portal, we also found that GalR mRNA in cancer samples and the adjacent normal tissue did not correlate with immunoexpression of the GalR proteins in CRC cells and epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa.     

Impact of Users’ Security Awareness on Desktop Security Behavior: A Protection Motivation Theory Perspective

This article uses the protection motivation theory to study the impact of information security awareness on desktop security behavior. It contributes to the literature by examining the roles played by awareness, an important antecedent to the cognitive processes in the protection motivation theory. The findings indicate that security awareness significantly affects perceived severity, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost. Constructs in the coping appraisal process (except response cost), in turn, significantly impact recommended security behavior.     

Equal access to the energy infrastructure as a precondition to promote competition in the energy market. The case of European Union

In many EU countries, the infrastructures for supplying electricity and gas (electricity networks, gas pipelines, and storage facilities) are still properties of the so-called vertically integrated undertakings (VIU) responsible for the extraction or generation, supply, and transmission and distribution of the energy. While competition can be promoted in the generation/production and supply side of the vertical integration, transmission and distribution segments remain natural monopolies that hinder market mechanisms. Vertical integration simply raises the possibility for incumbents to favor their own divisions and to block new entrants. As a result, non-discriminatory and equal access to the electricity and gas transmission and distribution networks, also LNG and storage facilities, is crucial to foster competition in politically delicate structures of the electricity and gas markets.     

A hybrid continuous-discrete approach to large discrete structural optimization problems

Many optimum structural designs are based on searching for the best of all combinations, arising from the number of structural members, and parameters of listed rolled profiles. Even, in a relatively simple design, the number of such combinations is of an order higher than ten. All known methods of finding discrete minimum of structural weight require very large number of analyses often of an order of four. In this study, a relatively simple method of solving such problems is presented. It is based on a tree graph, representing discrete values of the structural volume. The structure can be subjected to multi static loadings with constraints imposed on displacements and stresses. The number of analyses, in the proposed algorithm, is limited to the order of two. The knowledge needed to apply the method is limited to FEM and graph representation. The paper is illustrated with two examples with numbers of combinations up to 42³⁸.     

Positive real control of two-dimensional systems: Roesser models and linear repetitive processes

This paper considers the problem of positive real control for two-dimensional (2-D) discrete systems described by the Roesser model and also discrete linear repetitive processes, which are another distinct sub-class of 2-D linear systems of both systems theoretic and applications interest. The purpose of this paper is to design a dynamic output feedback controller such that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and the closed-loop system transfer function from the disturbance to the controlled output is extended strictly positive real. We first establish a version of positive realness for 2-D discrete systems described by the Roesser state space model, then a sufficient condition for the existence of the desired output feedback controllers is obtained in terms of four LMIs. When these LMIs are feasible, an explicit parameterization of the desired output feedback controllers is given. We then apply a similar approach to discrete linear repetitive processes represented in their equivalent 1-D state-space form. Finally, we provide numerical examples to demonstrate the applicability of the approach.     

Heterogenization of 12-tungstophosphoric acid on stabilized zeolite Y

Topics in Catalysis - 12-tungstophosphoric acid (PW12) has been supported on dealuminated zeolite Y, containing a secondary pore system with the predominant pore radii of 15 Å. The interaction...