Output feedback controller for polytopic systems exploiting the direct searching of the design space

This paper deals with the problem of designing a robust static output feedback controller for polytopic systems. The current research that tackled this problem is mainly based on LMI method, which is conservative by nature. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed, which considers the design space of the controller parameters and iteratively partitions the space to small simplexes. Then, by assessing the stability in each simplex, the solution space for design parameters is directly determined. It has been theoretically proved that, if there exists a feasible solution in the design space, the algorithm can find it. To validate the result of the proposed approach, comparative simulation examples are given to illustrate the performance of the design methodology as compared to those of previous approaches.     

Structural and optical properties of CdTe-nanocrystals thin films grown by chemical synthesis

By mans of a chemical synthesis technique stoichiometric CdTe-nanocrystals thin films were prepared on glass substrates at 70 °C. First, Cd(OH)₂ films were deposited on glass substrates, then these films were immersed in a growing solution prepared by dissolution of Te in hydroxymethane sulfinic acid to obtain CdTe. The structural analysis indicates that CdTe thin films have a zinc-blende structure. The average nanocrystal size was 19.4 nm and the thickness of the films 170 nm. The Raman characterization shows the presence of the longitudinal optical mode and their second order mode, which indicates a good crystalline quality. The optical transmittance was less than 5% in the visible region (400–700 nm). The compositional characterization indicates that CdTe films grew with Te excess.     

Characteristics of tiger nut milk: effects of milling

A standard method for the extraction of tiger nut milk has been introduced. It has been shown that, although milling duration improves the yield of tiger nut milk solids and its nutrient composition, there is a quantifiable loss of nutrient in the pressing residue during milk extraction. Milling duration improved the colloidal stability of the milk against creaming during 16 h of storage. A higher milling intensity resulted in the aggregation of biological polymers which resulted in colloidal destabilisation. Milling improved the lightness and stability and reduced browning rate of the tiger nut milk during storage. This report is important for the production of tiger nut milk of consistent and comparable characteristics. Milling has been introduced as a processing method for the qualitative and quantitative modulation of the properties of tiger nut milk. It is recommended to develop further strategies to improve the colloidal stability of tiger nut milk as a beverage.     

Impact behavior and fractographic study of carbon nanotubes grafted carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix multi-scale hybrid composites

Carbon nanotubes are the most promising reinforcement for high performance composites. Multiwall carbon nanotubes were directly grown onto the carbon fiber surface by catalytic thermal chemical vapor deposition technique. Multi-scale hybrid composites were fabricated using the carbon nanotubes grown fibers with epoxy matrix. Morphology of the grown carbon nanotubes was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The fabricated composites were subjected to impact tests which showed 48.7% and 42.2% higher energy absorption in Charpy and Izod impact tests respectively. Fractographic analysis of the impact tested specimens revealed the presence of carbon nanotubes both at the fiber surface and within the matrix which explained the reason for improved energy absorption capability of these composites. Carbon nanotubes presence at various cracks formed during loading provided a direct evidence of micro crack bridging. Thus the enhanced fracture strength of these composites is attributed to stronger fiber–matrix interfacial bonding and simultaneous matrix strengthening due to the grown carbon nanotubes.     

Quality and Emulsion Stability of Milk from Ettawah Crossed Bred Goat During Frozen Storage

Goat milk has specific chemical composition and physical properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of milk quality and emulsion stability during 60 d frozen storage. Milk sample was taken from three Ettawah Crossedbred goats that were divided into three groups. Samples were frozen and stored for 0, 30 and 60 days. At the end of each storage periode, milk sample was thawed in the refrigerator and analyzed for total number of bacteria, chemical (acidity, pH, free fatty acids), physical (alcohol test, clot on boiling test) quality, and emulsion stability. The microbiological and chemical data were analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA, whereas physical quality and emulsion stabilty were expressed qualitatively. There were no change in the total bacteria, acidity, pH and free fatty acid (FFA) of milk during storage, whereas the assessment by 70% alcohol showed positive since 0 d. Emulsions stability changed after 30 d of storage. While, the clot on boiling (COB) test of milk was positive at 60 d of storage. Recommendation is frozen storage of goat milk should not longer than 30 d.     

毒品滥用流行病模型的稳定性分析

现有毒品滥用流行病模型假设吸毒者康复后对毒品拥有永久"免疫"力，而忽视了其再次成为毒品易感者的可能性。针对这一问题，通过考虑社区治疗和隔离治疗两种措施，分析了毒品滥用人群的演化过程，提出了基于暂时"免疫"力的毒品滥用流行病模型，并计算了模型的基本再生数，讨论了模型平衡点的存在性和稳定性。当基本再生数小于1时，模型存在一个局部渐进稳定的无毒平衡点；当基本再生数大于1时，模型存在唯一的地方病平衡点，并利用几何方法证明了地方病平衡点的全局稳定性；当基本再生数等于1时，如果满足一定条件，模型出现后向分支现象。数值模拟验证了上述所有结果。研究结果表明提高隔离治疗率、改善社区治疗效果和降低接触传染率可以有效抑制毒品滥用的流行。     

LPNN-based approach for LASSO problem via a sequence of regularized minimizations

In compressive sampling theory, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) is a representative problem. Nevertheless, the non-differentiable constraint impedes the use of Lagrange programming neural networks (LPNNs). We present in this article the -LPNN model, a novel algorithm that tackles the LASSO minimization together with the underlying theory support. First, we design a sequence of smooth constrained optimization problems, by introducing a convenient differentiable approximation to the non-differentiable -norm constraint. Next, we prove that the optimal solutions of the regularized intermediate problems converge to the optimal sparse signal for the LASSO. Then, for every regularized problem from the sequence, the -LPNN dynamic model is derived, and the asymptotic stability of its equilibrium state is established as well. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to compare the performance of the proposed -LPNN algorithm with both the LASSO-LPNN model and a standard digital method.     

Systematic convergence of nonlinear stochastic estimators on the Special Orthogonal Group SO(3)

This paper introduces two novel nonlinear stochastic attitude estimators developed on the Special Orthogonal Group with the tracking error of the normalized Euclidean distance meeting predefined transient and steady‐state characteristics. The tracking error is confined to initially start within a predetermined large set such that the transient performance is guaranteed to obey dynamically reducing boundaries and decrease smoothly and asymptotically to the origin in probability from almost any initial condition. The proposed estimators produce accurate attitude estimates with remarkable convergence properties using measurements obtained from low‐cost inertial measurement units. The estimators proposed in continuous form are complemented by their discrete versions for the implementation purposes. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed estimators against uncertain measurements and large initialization error, whether in continuous or discrete form.     

Low concentration short time ozonation of rapeseed seeds reduces the stability of the oil and content of some antioxidant components

Ozonation is an innovative way to preserve high quality of seed during storage and it is an alternative to harmful organophosphorus agents. Disclosure of changes in the rapeseed oil under the influence of oxidative action of ozone on the seeds was the aim of the work and is presented for the first time. Two ozone concentrations and different length of ozonation were applied. The changes in tocopherols, phenolics, flavonoids contents, antiradical activity and oxidative stability were examined. The average vitamin E concentration was 33 mg per 100 g of oil before and 31.7 after ozonation of seeds. The average content of phenolic compounds was 14.3 mg of sinapic acid g⁻¹ and 16.9 after the ozone treatment. Changes in the flavonoids content and antioxidant activity were observed too. Ozonation caused a decrease in the vitamin E concentration which resulted also in reducing the quenching of free radicals and reduction of oil induction time.