Dynamic programming for 2-D discrete linear systems

The authors calculate the optimal control of 2-D discrete linear systems using a dynamic programming method. It is assumed that the system is described with Roesser's state-space equations for which a 2-D sequence of inputs minimizing the given performance criterion is calculated. The method is particularly suitable for problems with bounded states and controls, although it can also be applied for unbounded cases. One numerical example is given     

Role of geometry, substrate and atmosphere on performance of OFETs based on TTF derivatives

We report a comparative study of OFET devices based on zone-cast layers of three tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives in three configurations of electrodes in order to determine the best performing geometry. The first testing experiments were performed using SiO₂/Si substrates. Then the optimum geometry was employed for the preparation of flexible OFETs using Parylene C as both substrate and dielectric layer yielding, in the best case, to devices with μ_FET = 0.1 cm²/V s. With the performed bending tests we determined the limit of curvature radius for which the performance of the OFETs is not deteriorated irreversibly. The investigated OFETs are sensitive to ambient atmosphere, showing reversible increase of the source to drain current upon exposition to air, what can be explained as doping of TTF derivative by oxygen or moisture.     

Determination of diffusion coefficients in film systems on the basis of Fe/Cr and Cu/Cr

This paper presents the results of investigation of condensation stimulated (CSD) and thermal stimulated (TSD) diffusion in nanoscale film systems on the basis of Fe/Cr and Cu/Cr by Auger-electron spectroscopy method. The film systems were built in ultrahigh vacuum. Auger spectrum was traced during condensation after each increase in thickness of 0.5-1 nm or during film systems annealing from 300 to 683 K over 5 h. According to experimental data the concentration profiles were built and the effective coefficients of CSD and TSD were computed by several mathematical methods. The efficiency of these techniques in different cases was analyzed. The most accurate results were obtained with Weeple and Gauss error methods that take into account the thickness of the diffusant source.     

Walsh function analysis of 2-D generalized continuous systems

The importance of the generalized or singular 2D continuous systems are demonstrated by showing their use in the solution of partial differential equations in two variables. A technique is presented for solving these systems in terms of Walsh functions. The method replaces the solution of a two-variable partial differential equation with the solution of a linear algebraic generalized 2D Sylvester equation. An efficient technique for the recursive solution of the latter equation is offered. All the results apply also in the usual Roesser 2D state-space case     

Mixed-Mode Oscillations in a Modified Chua’s Circuit

We consider a singularly perturbed system of differential equations of the form ε u′=g(u,v,λ), v′=f(u,v,λ), where (u,v)∈R ³, 0<ε?1, and λ is a set of parameters. Such a system describes a modified Chua’s circuit with mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs). MMOs consist of a series of small-amplitude oscillations (canard solutions) and large-amplitude relaxations. In the paper we provide a series of both numerical and analytical analyses of the singularly perturbed system for the modified Chua’s circuit with nonlinear f and g. In particular, we analyze the occurrence of the Farey sequence $\it L^{s}$ , where $\it L$ and $\it s$ are the numbers of large and small oscillations, respectively.     

Circuits with Oscillatory Hierarchical Farey Sequences and Fractal Properties

We present two dual oscillating circuits having a wide spectrum of dynamical properties but relatively simple topologies. Each circuit has five bifurcating parameters, one nonlinear element of cubic current–voltage characteristics, one controlled element, LCR components and a constant biasing source. The circuits can be considered as two coupled oscillators (linear and nonlinear) that form dual jerk circuits. Bifurcation diagrams of the circuits show a rather surprising result that the bifurcation patterns are of the Farey sequence structure and the circuits’ dynamics is of a fractal type. The circuits’ fractal dimensions of the box counting (capacity) algorithm, Kaplan–Yorke (Lyapunov) type and its modified (improved) version are all estimated to be between 2.26 and 2.52. Our analysis is based on numerical calculations which confirm a close relationship of the circuits’ bifurcation patterns with those of the Ford circles and Stern–Brocot trees.     

Configuring retroreflective markings to enhance the night-time conspicuity of road workers

This study investigated whether the night-time conspicuity of road workers can be enhanced by positioning retroreflective strips on the moveable joints in patterns that convey varying degrees of biological motion. Participants were 24 visually normal adults (12 young M = 26.8 years; 12 older M = 72.9 years). Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity were recorded for each participant. Experimenters acting as road workers walked in place on a closed road circuit within simulated road work sites, facing either the oncoming driver or the roadway (presenting sideways to the driver) and wearing one of four clothing conditions: (i) standard road worker vest; (ii) standard vest plus thigh-mounted retroreflective strips; (iii) standard vest plus retroreflective strips on ankles and knees; (iv) standard vest plus retroreflective strips positioned on the extremities in a configuration that conveyed biological motion (“biomotion”). As they drove along the closed road participants were instructed to press a button to indicate when they first recognized that a road worker was present. The results demonstrated that regardless of the direction of walking, road workers wearing biomotion clothing were recognized at significantly (p < 0.05) longer distances (3×), relative to the standard vest alone. Response distances were significantly shorter for the older drivers. Contrast sensitivity was a better predictor of the ability to recognize road workers than was visual acuity or glare sensitivity. We conclude that adding retroreflective strips in the biomotion configuration can significantly improve road worker conspicuity regardless of the road worker's orientation and the age of the driver.