Terminal-differential algorithm for identification of local nonhomogeneities in items under control is developed on the basis of measurements of X-ray or gamma-radiation weakening. The algorithm may be applied by developing radiation schemes of nondestructive control, identifying inadmissible inclusions in the object under study
Waste electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) constitutes 4% of the municipal waste in Europe, being increased by 16-28% every five years. Nowadays, Europe produces 6,5 million tonnes of WEEE per year and currently 90% goes to landfill. WEEE waste is growing 3 times faster than municipal waste and this figure is expected to be increased up to 12 million tones by 2015. Applying a new technology to separate non-ferrous metal Waste from WEEE is the aim of this paper, by identifying multi-and hyper-spectral materials and inserting them in a recycling plant. This technology will overcome the shortcomings passed by current methods, which are unable to separate valuable materials very similar in colour, size or shape. For this reason, it is necessary to develop new algorithms able to distinguish among these materials and to face the timing requirements. (Author). 22 refs.
A crack fault is one of the damage modes most frequently occurring in gears. Identifying different crack levels, especially for early cracks is a challenge in gear fault diagnosis. This paper aims to propose a method to classify the different levels of gear cracks automatically and reliably. In this method, feature parameters in time domain, specially designed for gear damage detection and in frequency domain are extracted to characterize the gear conditions. A two-stage feature selection and weighting technique (TFSWT) via Euclidean distance evaluation technique (EDET) is presented and adopted to select sensitive features and remove fault-unrelated features. A weighted K nearest neighbor (WKNN) classification algorithm is utilized to identify the gear crack levels. The gear crack experiments were conducted and the vibration signals were captured from the gears under different loads and motor speeds. The proposed method is applied to ...
Algorithms for generating new exact solutions of the Einstein-Klein-Gordon field equations, which describe inhomogeneous universes with S/sup 3/ topology of spatial sections, are developed. The known exact vacuum and still-fluid solutions with S/sup 3/ topology are used as an input. The methods developed are further applied to derive inhomogeneous generalizations of Bianchi type IX solutions and inhomogeneous S/sup 3/ Gowdy models with gravitational and scalar waves. It is shown that the new solutions, which are generalizations of the Bianchi type IX models, permit identification of the scalar field with the velocity potential of the stiff irrotational fluid. The latter result is further used to study the growth rate of density perturbations of the isotropic and anisotropic Bianchi type IX universes in a fully nonlinear relativistic regime. The role of anisotropy on the rate of growth of density perturbations is studied in ...
Algorithms for generating new exact solutions of the Einstein-Klein-Gordon field equations, which describe inhomogeneous universes with S"3 topology of spatial sections, are developed. The known exact vacuum and still-fluid solutions with S"3 topology are used as an input. The methods developed are further applied to derive inhomogeneous generalizations of Bianchi type IX solutions and inhomogeneous S"3 Gowdy models with gravitational and scalar waves. It is shown that the new solutions, which are generalizations of the Bianchi type IX models, permit identification of the scalar field with the velocity potential of the stiff irrotational fluid. The latter result is further used to study the growth rate of density perturbations of the isotropic and anisotropic Bianchi type IX universes in a fully nonlinear relativistic regime. The role of anisotropy on the rate of growth of density perturbations is studied in detail.
In this paper, a robust water level control system for the horizontal steam generator (SG) using the quantitative feedback theory (QFT) method is presented. To design a robust QFT controller for the nonlinear uncertain SG, control oriented linear models are identified. Then, the nonlinear system is modeled as an uncertain linear time invariant (LTI) system. The robust designed controller is applied to the nonlinear plant model. This nonlinear model is based on a locally linear neuro-fuzzy (LLNF) model. This model is trained using the locally linear model tree (LOLIMOT) algorithm. Finally, simulation results are employed to show the effectiveness of the designed QFT level controller. It is shown that it will ensure the entire designer's water level closed loop specifications.
Research into methods for reasoning under uncertainty is currently one of the most exciting areas of artificial intelligence, largely because it has recently become possible to record, store, and process large amounts of data. While impressive achievements have been made in pattern classification problems such as handwritten character recognition, face detection, speaker identification, and prediction of gene function, it is even more exciting that researchers are on the verge of introducing systems that can perform large-scale combinatorial analyses of data, decomposing the data into interacting components. For example, computational methods for automatic scene analysis are now emerging in the computer vision community. These methods decompose an input image into its constituent objects, lighting conditions, motion patterns, etc. Two of the main challenges are finding effective representations and models in specific applications and finding efficient ...
We present an algorithm to identify individual neural spikes observed on high-density multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). Our method can distinguish large numbers of distinct neural units, even when spikes...Full Text Available
The application of neural networks, alone or in conjunction with other advanced technologies (expert systems, fuzzy logic, and/or genetic algorithms), to some of the problems of complex engineering systems has the potential to enhance the safety, reliability, and operability of these systems. Typically, the measured variables from the systems are analog variables that must be sampled and normalized to expected peak values before they are introduced into neural networks. Often data must be processed to put it into a form more acceptable to the neural network (e.g., a fast Fourier transformation of the time-series data to produce a spectral plot of the data). Specific applications described include: (1) Diagnostics: State of the Plant (2) Hybrid System for Transient Identification, (3) Sensor Validation, (4) Plant-Wide Monitoring, (5) Monitoring of Performance and Efficiency, and (6) Analysis of Vibrations. Although specific examples described ...
The application of neural networks, alone or in conjunction with other advanced technologies (expert systems, fuzzy logic, and/or genetic algorithms), to some of the problems of complex engineering systems has the potential to enhance the safety, reliability, and operability of these systems. Typically, the measured variables from the systems are analog variables that must be sampled and normalized to expected peak values before they are introduced into neural networks. Often data must be processed to put it into a form more acceptable to the neural network (e.g., a fast Fourier transformation of the time-series data to produce a spectral plot of the data). Specific applications described include: (1) Diagnostics: State of the Plant (2) Hybrid System for Transient Identification, (3) Sensor Validation, (4) Plant-Wide Monitoring, (5) Monitoring of Performance and Efficiency, and (6) Analysis of Vibrations. Although specific examples described ...
This paper proposes an optimization algorithm to reduce the distortion produced in the loop-filter of Continuous-Time Sigma-Delta Modulators. The aim of the algorithm is to find the loop-filter implementation that minimizes distortion at the output of the modulator, by modifying the output swing of every integrator. The algorithm is implemented in Matlab as an evolutive searching. During each step of the searching, the algorithm evaluates the harmonical distortion of a tone when it is applied to the modulator with a certain loop-filter implementation. The output of the algorithm is an optimum linear state-space representation of the loop-filter. This particular state-space representation leads to minimum distortion at the output of the modulator when the loop-filter is implemented with some specific circuitry previously defined. As long as the search is of ...
In a recent paper, Lowry (1981) described an architecture for a computer vision rectangular processor array that is suitable for VLSI implementation. In this paper the authors review that architecture, discuss extensions to it and present results of an array simulator applied to vision algorithms. They also present an algorithm for re-routing an array with bad processors into a working subset of the array, making it feasible to implement a large array on one wafer-sized chip. 7 references.
A multivariate adaptive power system stabilizer is proposed. The advantages of using coordinated governor and excitation control are discussed, and the problems associated with constant parameter power system stabilizers (CPSS) are highlighted. The proposed multi-input multi-output (MIMO) power system stabilizer can coordinate the governor and excitation control and can overcome the problems associated with CPSS in power system stabilization. Selective multivariable state modelling, identification and control methods are investigated and the MIMO least squares technique with variable forgetting factor is used for system identification, guaranteeing good parameter tracking after a disturbance. Two multivariable self-tuning algorithms are investigated, the generalized minimum variance control and pole-shifting control algorithms. The multivariable self-searching pole-shifting ...
The problem of electrical parameters identification in complex systems, and in particular in electric railway traction systems, is considered. Parameters are determined by an indirect approach: only the terminal variables (voltages and currents and, impedance and admittance, which can be readily calculated) are measured and the per-unit-length electrical parameters are determined using a multiconductor transmission line model of the track section under test. It will be shown that some parameters cannot be measured directly, that they are not constant with frequency and that they may depend on other external conditions. An indirect method for parameters identification is proposed through an adaptive algorithm (AA), so that the calculated terminal variables match the measured ones. The AA is...
Experiences with the model parameter identification of the excitation system (EXS) and the power system stabilizer (PSS) for Mingtan{number_sign}6 pumped storage generation unit of Taiwan Power System are presented in this paper. The input-output data corresponding to each block of the EXS and PSS were obtained when the finalization tests of this unit were performed. The generalized least squares (GLS) approach is introduced and employed to identify the desired parameters of the noisy excitation system and PSS models. In this method, the reduction technique of biased estimates due to the non-white (correlated) identification residual is also applied to improve the accuracy of identification. The results of the parameter estimation are satisfactory. The GLS parameter identification method using the measured data at finalization tests is then suggested from the viewpoint of economy ...
An iterative phase retrieval algorithm was previously investigated for in-line x-ray phase imaging. Through detailed theoretical analysis and computer simulations, we now discuss the limitations, robustness, and efficiency of the algorithm. The iterative algorithm was proved robust against imaging noise but sensitive to the variations of several system parameters. It is also efficient in terms of calculation time. It was shown that the algorithm can be applied to phase retrieval based on one phase-contrast image and one attenuation image, or two phase-contrast images; in both cases, the two images can be obtained either by one detector in two exposures, or by two detectors in only one exposure as in the dual-detector scheme.
This paper presents a dynamic displacement influence line method for moving load identification on bridge. The finite element model of Poyang Lake continuous truss bridge-train systems is established and the dispersed modal shapes are acquired by modal analysis. Multi-axle moving train loads are identified with simulated annealing genetic algorithm by minimizing the errors between the measured displacements and the reconstructed displacements from the identified moving loads. In the identification process, the dynamic displacement influence line technique is used to calculate the time history displacement responses of the bridge to avoid solving equations of motion of the bridge repetitively. Several important parameters of the bridge-train system are discussed to investigate their effects...
This contribution deals with identification of fractional-order dynamical systems. System identification, which refers to estimation of process parameters, is a necessity in control theory. Real processes are usually of fractional order as opposed to the ideal integral order models. A simple and elegant scheme of estimating the parameters for such a fractional order process is proposed. This method employs fractional calculus theory to find equations relating the parameters that are to be estimated, and then estimates the process parameters after solving the simultaneous equations. The said simultaneous equations are generated and updated using particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, the fitness function being the sum of squared deviations from the actual set of observations. The data used for the calculations are intentionally corrupted to simulate real-life conditions. Results show that the proposed scheme offers a very high degree of ...
With accurate calculation algorithms in inverse planning for beamlet-based intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), it takes time to calculate the dose matrix, which represents the dose distribution of each beamlet element to each voxel for unit fluence. To reduce the calculation time, coarse or approximate algorithms are often a choice, but this results in a final dose distribution that cannot reflect the real value. In addition, it is necessary to test if a coarse algorithm is capable of calculating the dose matrix of beamlets. In this work, simulated dynamics optimization algorithm was applied to optimize the segment weight to minish the dose error from the dose matrix calculation. After calculating the dose matrix by ray-tracing algorithm which takes into account just the primary component of absorbed dose, the original beam profile intensity distribution ...
Background and purpose: A series of phase I/II clinical trials are being initiated in several UK centres to explore the use of dose-escalated schedules for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among them the IDEAL-CRT trial (ISRCTN12155469) will investigate the introduction of individualised 'isotoxic' treatment schedules based on the relative mean lung normalised total dose (rNTDmean), an estimator related to lung toxicity. Since treatment planning will be performed using different treatment planning systems (TPSs), for the quality assurance of the trial we have carried out work to quantify the influence of dose calculation algorithms based on the determination of rNTDmean and on the choice of individualised prescription doses. Material and methods: Twenty-five patient plans with stage I, II and III NSCLC were calculated, with the same prescription dose, using the Adaptive Convolve (AC) and Collapsed Cone (CC) algorithms of the ...
The problem of the optimal dispatch of real thermoelectric generation consists in minimizing the hourly fuel consumption under both network and security constraints. Two recent sequential gradient-restoration algorithms are applied to the solution of this nonlinear programming problem. The first algorithm (Miele et alii) solves a problem with equality, a previous transformation of the inequality constraints. The second algorithm (Levy and Gomez) employs an active set strategy that takes into account, in each gradient or restoration phase, only those inequality constraints which are violated or which are at the limit. Both methods are well suited for the ''compact reduced'' model chosen by the Authors for real power dispatch, leading to the solution of small linear systems in each gradient or restoration phase. More over some modifications of the ...
Exceptional progress has been made in mathematical algorithm research leading to optimized mesh partitions for the highly unstructured grids occurring in finite element applications in solid mechanics. Today another research challenge presents itself. Research is needed to include boundary conditions into the algorithms for partitioning meshes. We describe below two methods we use currently to accomplish this and propose a more general approach be developed which would apply to our problems today as well as to the coupled models we envision for the future. Finally, we suggest research be considered that would incorporate partitioning methods into parallel mesh generation.
A new leaf-sequencing approach has been developed that is designed to reduce the number of required beam segments for step-and-shoot intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). This approach to leaf sequencing is called continuous-intensity-map-optimization (CIMO). Using a simulated annealing algorithm, CIMO seeks to minimize differences between the optimized and sequenced intensity maps. Two distinguishing features of the CIMO algorithm are (1) CIMO does not require that each optimized intensity map be clustered into discrete levels and (2) CIMO is not rule-based but rather simultaneously optimizes both the aperture shapes and weights. To test the CIMO algorithm, ten IMRT patient cases were selected (four head-and-neck, two pancreas, two prostate, one brain, and one pelvis). For each case, the optimized intensity maps were extracted from the Pinnacle"3 treatment planning system. The CIMO algorithm ...
Detection and quantification of prion infectivity is a crucial step for various fundamental and applied aspects of prion research. Identification of cell lines highly sensitive to prion infection led...Full Text Available
An optical flow gradient algorithm was applied to spontaneously forming networks of neurons and glia in culture imaged by fluorescence optical microscopy in order to map functional calcium signaling...Full Text Available
Optimization is a powerful paradigm for expressing and solving problems in a wide range of areas, and has been successfully applied to many vision problems. Discrete optimization techniques are especially interesting since, by carefully exploiting problem structure, they often provide nontrivial guarantees concerning solution quality. In this paper, we review dynamic programming and graph algorithms, and discuss representative examples of how these discrete optimization techniques have been applied to some classical vision problems. We focus on the low-level vision problem of stereo, the mid-level problem of interactive object segmentation, and the high-level problem of model-based recognition. PMID:20660950
In this paper a new procedure, addressed as Interpolation Damage Detecting Method (IDDM), is investigated as a possible mean for early detection and location of light damage in a structure struck by an earthquake. Damage is defined in terms of the accuracy of a spline function in interpolating the operational mode shapes (ODS) of the structure. At a certain location a decrease (statistically meaningful) of accuracy, with respect to a reference configuration, points out a localized variation of the operational shapes thus revealing the existence of damage. In this paper, the proposed method is applied to a numerical model of a multistory frame, simulating a damaged condition through a reduction of the story stiffness. Several damage scenarios have been considered and the results indicate the effectiveness of the method to assess and localize damage for the case of concentrated damage and for low to medium levels of noise in the recorded signals. The main advantage ...
We demonstrate the use of a variational method to determine a quantitative lower bound on the rate of convergence of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms as a function of the target density and proposal density. The bound relies on approximating the second largest eigenvalue in the spectrum of the MCMC operator using a variational principle and the approach is applicable to problems with continuous state spaces. We apply the method to one dimensional examples with Gaussian and quartic target densities, and we contrast the performance of the basic Metropolis-Hastings algorithms with a ``smart'' variant that incorporates gradient information into the trial moves. We find that the variational method agrees quite closely with numerical simulations. We also see that the smart MCMC algorithm often fails to converge geometrically in the tails of the target density except in the simplest case we examine, ...
Using databases derived from the pattern recognition approach, the paper presents a methodology for utilizing fuzzy models to enhance the quality of decision-making using fuzzy-logic algorithms. Two multi-objective fuzzy-logic control algorithms for controlling power system static/dynamic security are presented and analyzed. The first algorithm is based on the successive inferences of fuzzy implication rules for each individual objective, and the second algorithm is an application of the method of fuzzy linear programming. The paper discusses the properties, advantages and limitations of applying fuzzy decision-making logic in the pattern-recognition approach and concludes by highlighting potential areas for further development. (author)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a simple deformable phantom as a QA tool for testing and validation of deformable image registration algorithms. A diagnostic thoracic imaging phantom with a deformable foam insert was used in this study. Small plastic markers were distributed through the foam to create a lattice with a measurable deformation as the ground truth data for all comparisons. The foam was compressed in the superior-inferior direction using a one-dimensional drive stage pushing a flat 'diaphragm' to create deformations similar to those from inhale and exhale states. Images were acquired at different compressions of the foam and the location of every marker was manually identified on each image volume to establish a known deformation field with a known accuracy. The markers were removed digitally from corresponding images prior to registration. Different image registration algorithms were tested using ...
In vibration control field, magneto-rheological (MR) fluid dampers are semi-active control devices that have recently begun to receive more attention. This paper presents a black-box model (BBM) for identification of a MR fluid damper and its application to vibrating control systems using that damper with self-sensing behavior. A model named ''black-box'' is a simple direct modeling method which is designed for a typical MR fluid damper using the self-tuning fuzzy technique. The characteristics of the researched damper are directly estimated through a fuzzy mapping system. In order to improve the accuracy of the proposed model, the back propagation algorithm and gradient descent method were used to train the fuzzy parameters to minimize the model error function. Consequently, the BBM with ...
Understanding the similar properties of people involved in group search sessions has the potential to significantly improve collaborative search systems; such systems could be enhanced by information retrieval algorithms and user interface modifications that take advantage of important properties, for example by re-ordering search results using information from group members' combined user profiles. Understanding what makes group members similar can also assist with the identification of groups, which can be valuable for connecting users with others with whom they might undertake a collaborative search. In this workshop paper, we describe our current research efforts towards studying the properties of a variety of group types. We discuss properties of groups that may be relevant to designers of collaborative search systems, and propose ways in which understanding such properties could influence the design of interfaces and ...
We describe features of the LSST science database that are amenable to scientific data mining, object classification, outlier identification, anomaly detection, image quality assurance, and survey science validation. The data mining research agenda includes: scalability (at petabytes scales) of existing machine learning and data mining algorithms; development of grid-enabled parallel data mining algorithms; designing a robust system for brokering classifications from the LSST event pipeline (which may produce 10,000 or more event alerts per night); multi-resolution methods for exploration of petascale databases; indexing of multi-attribute multi-dimensional astronomical databases (beyond spatial indexing) for rapid querying of petabyte databases; and more.
A crack fault is one of the damage modes most frequently occurring in gears. Identifying different crack levels, especially for early cracks is a challenge in gear fault diagnosis. This paper aims to propose a method to classify the different levels of gear cracks automatically and reliably. In this method, feature parameters in time domain, specially designed for gear damage detection and in frequency domain are extracted to characterize the gear conditions. A two-stage feature selection and weighting technique (TFSWT) via Euclidean distance evaluation technique (EDET) is presented and adopted to select sensitive features and remove fault-unrelated features. A weighted K nearest neighbor (WKNN) classification algorithm is utilized to identify the gear crack levels. The gear crack experime...
Arc distortion can lead to the measuring signal deformation and, consequently, to the erroneous identification or localisation of the fault. In the paper, a study on the short circuit loop resistance and reactance is presented referring to the algorithms using correlation between the sine and cosine functions as well as the least-square method (LSM). In the study, both the static and the dynamic models of the short circuit arc have been employed. The very advantageous features of the LSM-based algorithm have been underlined regarding accuracy of estimation of the short circuit mesh parameters (including the arc voltage at the location where the fault occurs) as well as susceptibility to the presence of a non-periodic short circuit current component. (Author)
The Albedo Theory was applied in order to develop an one-group algorithm for coupled neutron-gamma shielding calculations. The configuration analyzed consists of multilayered plane systems, where a incident neutron current generates gamma radiation through neutron-gamma reactions. The results obtained by Albedo Method and ANISN code have shown excellent agreement. (author)
The Albedo Theory was applied in order to develop an one-group algorithm for coupled neutron-gamma shielding calculations. The configuration analyzed consists of multilayered plane systems, where a incident neutron current generates gamma radiation through neutron-gamma reactions. The results obtained by Albedo Method and ANISN code have shown excellent agreement. (author)
I present here a review of past and present multi-disciplinary research of the Pittsburgh Computational AstroStatistics (PiCA) group. This group is dedicated to developing fast and efficient statistical algorithms for analysing huge astronomical data sources. I begin with a short review of multi-resolutional kd-trees which are the building blocks for many of our algorithms. For example, quick range queries and fast n-point correlation functions. I will present new results from the use of Mixture Models (Connolly et al. 2000) in density estimation of multi-color data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Specifically, the selection of quasars and the automated identification of X-ray sources. I will also present a brief overview of the False Discovery Rate (FDR) procedure (Miller et al. 2001a) and show how it has been used in the detection of ``Baryon Wiggles'' in the local galaxy power spectrum and source ...
Abstract in english We consider the three dimensional electromagnetic inverse scattering problem of determining information about a buried coated object from a knowledge of the electric and magnetic fields measured on the surface of the earth corresponding to time harmonic electric dipoles as incident fields. We assume that the buried object is a perfect conductor that is (possibly) partially coated by a thin dielectric layer. No a priori assumption is made on the extent of the coating, i.e. (more) the object can be fully coated, partially coated or not coated at all. We present an algorithm based on the linear sampling method and reciprocity gap functional for reconstructing the shape of the scattering obstacle together with an estimate of the surface impedance of the coating.
For reliable operation and the optimization of production, industrial fermentation processes require appropriate tools for monitoring the process in real time. This work presents the structure and operation of a soft sensor for the on-line monitoring of biomass and product concentration during salinomycin and bacitracin fermentation in an industrial, 80-m^3 batch reactor; moreover it provides a tool for evaluation of batch production verified in industrial application. The process estimation algorithm consists of decoupled growth and product models, which ensures an unbiased convergence of the estimator and the robustness of the model. The production of secondary metabolites is described with a non-structured model upgraded with a variable forgetting factor that demonstrated a successful e...
We investigate the parametrization issue for discrete-time stable all-pass multivariable systems by means of a Schur algorithm involving a Nudelman interpolation condition. A recursive construction of balanced realizations is associated with it, that possesses a very good numerical behavior. Several atlases of charts or families of local parametrizations are presented and for each atlas a chart selection strategy is proposed. The last one can be viewed as a nice mutual encoding property of lossless functions and turns out to be very efficient. These parametrizations allow for solving optimization problems within the fields of system identification and optimal control.
One of the main goals in the determination of three-dimensional macromolecular structures from electron microscope images of individual molecules and complexes (single particles) is a sufficiently high spatial resolution, about 4 A, at which the interpretation with an atomic model becomes possible. To reach high resolution, an iterative refinement procedure using an expectation maximization algorithm is often used that leads to a more accurate alignment of the positional and orientational parameters for each particle. We show here the results of refinement algorithms that use a phase residual, a linear correlation coefficient, or a weighted correlation coefficient to align individual particles. The algorithms were applied to computer-generated data sets that contained projections from model structures, as well as noise. The algorithms show different degrees of over-fitting, ...
This chapter reports recent advances in the statistical learning literature that may be of interest for biometrics. In particular we discuss two different algorithmic settings, binary classification and multi-task learning, and analyze the two closely related problems of feature selection and feature learning. In the binary case the theoretical and algorithmic advances to feature selection are applied to solve face detection and face authentication problems. In the multi-task case we show how the data structure described by a group of features common to the various tasks can be effectively learned, and then we discuss how this approach could be used to address face recognition.
A new metaheuristic optimisation algorithm, called Cuckoo Search (CS), was developed recently by Yang and Deb (2009). This paper presents a more extensive comparison study using some standard test functions and newly designed stochastic test functions. We then apply the CS algorithm to solve engineering design optimisation problems, including the design of springs and welded beam structures. The optimal solutions obtained by CS are far better than the best solutions obtained by an efficient particle swarm optimiser. We will discuss the unique search features used in CS and the implications for further research.
The diamond norm measures the distance between two quantum channels. From an operational viewpoint, this norm measures how well we can distinguish between two channels by applying them to the input states of arbitrarily large dimensions. In this paper, we show that the diamond norm can be conveniently, and in a physically transparent way, computed by means of a Monte Carlo algorithm based on the Fano representation of quantum states and quantum operations. The effectiveness of this algorithm is illustrated for several single-qubit quantum channels.
This paper describes an effective unsupervised speaker indexing approach. We suggest a two stage algorithm to speed-up the state-of-the-art algorithm based on the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). In the first stage of the merging process a computationally cheap method based on the vector quantization (VQ) is used. Then in the second stage a more computational expensive technique based on the BIC is applied. In the speaker indexing task a turning parameter or a threshold is used. We suggest an on-line procedure to define the value of a turning parameter without using development data. The results are evaluated using 10 hours of audio data.
A new particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique for electromagnetic applications is proposed. The method is based on quantum mechanics rather than the Newtonian rules assumed in all previous versions of PSO, which we refer to as classical PSO. A general procedure is suggested to derive many different versions of the quantum PSO algorithm (QPSO). The QPSO is applied first to linear array antenna synthesis, which is one of the standard problems used by antenna engineers. The performance of the QPSO is compared against an improved version of the classical PSO. The new algorithm outperforms the classical one most of the time in convergence speed and achieves better levels for the cost function. As another application, the algorithm is used to find a set of infinitesimal dipoles that produces the same near and far fields of a circular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). In addition, the QPSO method is ...
A new algorithm for the design of decentralized output feedback stabilizers for large-scale electric power systems is presented in this paper. In the proposed approach, the generators which are most effective for stabilizer applications are first identified by using participation factors. Then an efficient algorithm based on decentralized pole assignment is proposed for the determination of the parameters of the power system stabilizers which, due to the difficulty associated with the communication among the geographically dispersed generating stations in a large power system, are essentially decentralized compensators using local generator outputs as their feedback signals. The proposed method is computationally efficient and can be applied to any large-scale system. The simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated by an example of stabilizer design for a practical power system.
Skin sensitization is the most commonly reported occupational illness, causing much suffering to a wide range of people. Identification and labeling of environmental allergens is urgently required to protect people from skin sensitization. The guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) and murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) are the two most important in vivo models for identification of skin sensitizers. In order to reduce the number of animal tests, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) are strongly encouraged in the assessment of skin sensitization of chemicals. This paper has investigated the skin sensitization potential of 162 compounds with LLNA results and 92 compounds with GPMT results using a support vector machine. A particle swarm optimization algorithm was implemented for feature selection from a large number of molecular descriptors calculated by Dragon. For the LLNA data set, the classification ...
Using static Michelson interferometer to get the spectrum information of measurement targets for spectrum identification, under the condition that the interference length is constant, the system can be optimized by BP neural network algorithm for the mixed spectral separation process. Thereby it can realize improving the recognition probability of camouflage target. Collecting the spectrum information in field of view (FOV) by the interferometer and linear array CCD detector, composing the set of mixed spectrum data, with known absorption spectrum of the material as a hidden layer of rules, it used BP neural network to separate the mixed spectrum data. Experiment with different distances, different combinations of mixed background spectrum as the initial data, using steel target (size: 1.5 m x 1.5 m) made of four kinds, the recognition probability of non-camouflage target is about 90% by BP neural network algorithm or the ...
The force exerted on the rotor by an active magnetic bearing (AMB) is determined by the current flow in the magnet coils. This force can be controlled very precisely, making magnetic bearings a potential benefit for grinding, where cutting forces act as external disturbances on the shaft, resulting in degraded part finish. It is possible to achieve precise shaft positioning, reduce vibration of the shaft caused by external disturbances, and even damp out resonant modes. Adaptive control is an appealing approach for these systems because the controller can tune itself to account for an unknown periodic disturbance, such as cutting or grinding forces, injected into the system. In this paper the authors show how one adaptive control algorithm can be applied to an AMB system with a periodic disturbance applied to the rotor. An adaptive algorithm was developed and implemented in both simulation and hardware, ...
We investigate the influence of the turbulence forcing on the mass distributions of gravitationally unstable cores by postprocessing data from simulations of non-selfgravitating isothermal supersonic turbulence with varying resolution. In one set of simulations solenoidal forcing is applied, while the second set uses purely compressive forcing to excite turbulent motions. From the resulting density field, we compute the mass distribution of gravitationally unstable cores by means of a clump-finding algorithm. Using the time-averaged probability density functions of the mass density, semi-analytic mass distributions are calculated from analytical theories. We apply stability criteria that are based on the Bonnor-Ebert mass resulting from the thermal pressure and from the sum of thermal and turbulent pressure. Although there are uncertainties in the application of the clump-finding algorithm, we find ...
The determination of conformational preferences in unfolded and disordered proteins is an important challenge in structural biology. We here describe an algorithm to optimize energy functions for the simulation of unfolded proteins. The procedure is based on the maximum likelihood principle and employs a fast and efficient gradient descent method to find the set of parameters of the energy function that best explain the experimental data. We first validate the method by using synthetic reference data, and subsequently apply the algorithms to data from nuclear magnetic resonance spin-labeling experiments on the Delta 131 Delta fragment of Staphylococcal nuclease. A significant strength of the procedure that we present is that it directly uses experimental data to optimize the energy parameters, without relying on the availability of high resolution structures. The procedure is fully general and can be ...
Derivative spectrophotometry and bivariate calibration algorithm were used for study of run of photooxidation of levomepromazine hydrochloride (LV). The actual concentrations of LV and its main degradation product levomepromazine sulphoxide (LV-SO) were calculated using data provided by applied methods. The direct reading of absorbance values at 302nm and 334nm were employed for quantification of LV and LV-SO, respectively, in the case of bivariate method. The derivative spectrophotometric method is based on transformation of zero-order spectra into first derivative. The values of first derivative at 334nm were used for quantification of LV while at 278nm for assay of LV-SO. The obtained quantitative data were applied for investigation of kinetics of photodegradation of LV.
Aiming at the non-stationary characteristics of differential pressure fluctuation signals of gas-liquid two-phase flow, and the slow convergence of learning and liability of dropping into local minima for BP neural networks, flow regime identification method based on Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Least Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) is presented. First of all, the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method is used to decompose the differential pressure fluctuation signals of gas-liquid two-phase flow into a number of stationary Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) components from which the initial feature vector matrix is formed. By applying the singular vale decomposition technique to the initial feature vector matrixes, the singular values are obtained. Finally, the singular values serve as the flow regime characteristic vector to be LS-SVM classifier and flow regimes are identified by the output of the classifier. The ...
Loading pattern optimization (LPO) for a PWR in nuclear power plant contains three parts: fuel assembly location optimization, burnable poison placement optimization, and used fuel assembly orientation optimization. To solve the former two parts, this paper devises an innovative stochastic evolutionary algorithm-Interval Bound Algorithm (IBA), which can optimize fuel assembly location and burnable poison placement together. IBA just uses the fuel assembly's infinite multiplication factor to get rid of unfavorable patterns and to explore new promising solution space. To solve the last part, this paper applies Estimation of Distribution Algorithms (EDAs), which also belong to evolutionary algorithms. These three parts depend on each other, so it is better not to solve them separately. In order to optimize these parts in a coupled way, we use Symbiotic Co-evolutionary ...
Commercially-available nuclear fixturing systems typically include a square lattice of tapped and bushed holes with precision locating and clamping elements that can be rigidly attached to the lattice using dowel pins or expanding mandrels. Currently, human expertise is required to synthesize a suitable arrangements of these elements to hold a given part. Besides being time consuming, if the set of alternatives is not systematically explored, the designer may fail to find an acceptable fixture or may settle upon a suboptimal fixture. We consider a class of modular fixtures that prevent a part from translating or rotting in the plane using four point contacts on the part`s boundary. These fixtures are based on three round locators, each centered on a lattice point, and one translating clamp. We present an algorithm that accepts a polygonal part shape as input and synthesizes the set of all fixture designs that achieve form closure for the given part. The ...
Some diagnostics at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), including the Gamma Reaction History (GRH) diagnostic, require multiple channels of data to achieve the required dynamic range. These channels need to be stitched together into a single time series, and they may have non-uniform and redundant time samples. We chose to apply the popular cubic smoothing spline technique to our stitching problem because we needed a general non-parametric method. We adapted one of the algorithms in the literature, by Hutchinson and deHoog, to our needs. The modified algorithm and the resulting code perform a cubic smoothing spline fit to multiple data channels with redundant time samples and missing data points. The data channels can have different, time-varying, zero-mean white noise characteristics. The method we employ automatically determines an optimal smoothing level by minimizing the Generalized Cross Validation (GCV) score. In ...
With the mentioned method to analyse O-tyrosine with HPLC/fluorescence-detection, the irradiation of chicken meat can be determined in a simple and fast way. The formation of o-tyrosine is proportional to the applied dose but because it is also depending on the applied dose rate and the temperature during the irradiation, it is not possible to control the irradiation dose. Since unirradiated chicken can contain little amounts of o-tyrosine and to confirm some results, a second method is needed. Together with one of the other mentioned methods (analysis of the volatiles or esr-spectroscopy) it is possible to recognize irradiated chicken with a high security. (author).
Validation of nuclear power reactor signals is often performed by comparing signal prototypes with the actual reactor signals. The signal prototypes are often computed based on empirical data. The implementation of an estimation algorithm which can make predictions on limited data is an important issue. A new machine learning algorithm called support vector machines (SVMS) recently developed by Vladimir Vapnik and his coworkers enables a high level of generalization with finite high-dimensional data. The improved generalization in comparison with standard methods like neural networks is due mainly to the following characteristics of the method. The input data space is transformed into a high-dimensional feature space using a kernel function, and the learning problem is formulated as a convex quadratic programming problem with a unique solution. In this paper the authors have applied the SVM method for data-based state ...
This paper uses multi-pass iteration particle swarm optimization (MIPSO) to solve short term hydroelectric generation scheduling of a power system with wind turbine generators. MIPSO is a new algorithm for solving nonlinear optimal scheduling problems. A new index called iteration best (IB) is incorporated into particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve solution quality. The concept of multi-pass dynamic programming is applied to modify PSO further and improve computation efficiency. The feasible operational regions of the hydro units and pumped storage plants over the whole scheduling time range must be determined before applying MIPSO to the problem. Wind turbine power generation then shaves the power system load curves. Next, MIPSO calculates hydroelectric generation scheduling. It begins with a coarse time stage and searching space and refines the time interval between two time stages and the search spacing pass by ...
This paper presents a Benders decomposition approach to determine the optimal day-ahead power scheduling in a pool-organized power system, taking into account dispatch, network and security constraints. The study model considers the daily market and the technical constraints resolution as two different and consecutive processes. The daily market is solved in a first stage subject to economical criteria exclusively and then, the constraints solution algorithm is applied to this initial dispatch through the redispatching method. The Benders partitioning algorithm is applied to this constraints solution process to obtain an optimal secure power scheduling. The constraints solution includes a full AC network and security model to incorporate voltages magnitudes as they are a critical factor in some real power systems. The algorithm determines the active power committed to each generator ...
The intention of the research carried out was to develop photovoltaic driven solar heating systems applied for drying of medicinal plants in remote areas. Identification of hybrid photovoltaic - photothermal systems was done and discussion of technical features and applicability of such systems in agriculture is presented. Detail technical specification of PV powered medicinal plants solar dryer and cost effectiveness parameters are given. Operational and economic results obtained during testing of the dryer are promising. (orig.) 4 refs.
An explicite PN solution of the multi-dimensional homogeneous neutron transport equation is given by expanding the angular flux into a series of geometry-independent spherical harmonics operators. An algorithm is developed for representing the spherical harmonic operators in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates. The general formulae are applied to two-dimensional spherical geometry; detailed P3 formulae are given. (orig.).
Most algorithms for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from electron micrographs assume that images correspond to projections of the 3D structure. This approximation limits the attainable resolution of the reconstruction when the dimensions of the structure exceed the depth of field of the microscope. We have developed two methods to calculate a reconstruction that corrects for the depth of field. Either method applied to synthetic data representing a large virus yields a higher resolution reconstruction than a method lacking this correction.
We apply two variations of the principle of Minimum Cross Entropy (the Kullback information measure) to fit parameterized probability density models to observed data densities. For an array beamforming problem with P incident narrowband point sources, N > P sensors, and colored noise, both approaches yield eigenvector fitting methods similar to that of the MUSIC algorithm[1]. Furthermore, the corresponding cross-entropies are related to the MDL model order selection criterion[2].
The seismic reflection exploration technique which is one of the geophysical methods for oil exploration became effectively to image the subsurface structure with rapid development of computer. As a tool to perform seismic inversion, seismic forward modeling program using ray tracing should be developed. In this study, we have developed the algorithm that is to calculate the travel time of the complex geological structure using ray tracing by subdividing the geologic model into triangular element (finite element) having the constant velocity. We can analytically calculate Jacobian with some information by this current ray tracing. With this Jacobian, we will develop new algorithm which is to obtain geological properties and to image the subsurface. Since the FEM (Finite Element Method) ray tracing we have developed goes well the inverse velocities structure, we can apply the inversion problem to complex geological model. ...
Use of an adaptive optimal control algorithm for two realtime control applications, optimal excitation control of a synchronous generator (OEC) and power system stabilizer (PSS) is described in this paper. Experimental studies on a physical model of a power system show that the proposed OEC and PSS can track the controlled system by parameter identification at different operating conditions. The proposed control algorithm is based on the linear optimal control theory and a special 5th order discrete Riccati equation is solved in each sampling period. The proposed OEC and PSS can always guarantee that in closed loop the controlled system is stable based on the identified parameters. As the actual output of the controlled system and control are directly used in the controller, no observer is required. Also, the proposed OEC and PSS can track the controlled system very fast. A number of tests have been performed. All show ...
Because the bridges over the Rio Grande were to be razed, the investigators were able to introduce simulated cracks in four stages of increasing length into the structure. This paper summarizes the results of ambient and conventional, measured-input, modal analyses, performed on the undamaged structure. Also summarized are the results of conventional modal analyses performed after each stage of damage had been introduced. These tests were intended to quantify the amount of damage necessary to produce changes in the global dynamic properties of the bridge and to form a data base that can be used by other investigators to develop damage identificationalgorithms. Conventional modal analysis identified changes in the global dynamic properties of the structure only after the final stage of a damage.
Background vibration in a CANDU plant can be used to determine the dynamic characteristics of major items of equipment, such as calandria, the fuelling machines and the primary heat transport pumps. These dynamic characteristics can then be used to verify the seismic response of the equipment which, at present, is based on theoretical models only. The feasibility and basic theory of this new approach (which uses accelerations measured at several points on a structure and does not require knowledge of the source of excitation) was established in Phase I of the study. This report is based on Phase II in which the methods of analysis developed in Phase I were improved and verified experimentally. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm was incorporated and an interactive curve fitting technique was developed to obtain the dynamic characteristics in the form of natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios. The method is now available for use at a CANDU plant.
The Environmental Management System (EMS) is an instrument to manage the interaction between the organization and the environment. The scope od EMS is to reduce the environmental impact and to achieve improvements in overall performances. In particular, the focus point of EMS implementation is the method for identifying and assessing significant environmental aspects. The results of the literature and regulation reviews (Perotto 2006) have shown that rigourous repeatable and transparent methodologies do not exist. This paper presents a proposal method for identifying and assessing significant environmental aspects, that has all three of these important characteristics. In particular, the proposal methodology for assessing aspects is based on some criteria that are combined in a specific algorithm. It is important to specify that to make a correct application of the method a preliminary rigorous approach to investigating the environment and the activities of ...
An adaptive power system stabilizer (APSS) employing a new self-optimizing pole shifting control strategy and its application to a power system are described in this paper. Based on an identified model of the system, the control is computed by an algorithm which shifts the closed-loop poles of the system to some optimal locations inside the unit circle in the z-domain to minimize a given performance criterion. With the self-optimization property, outside intervention in the controller design procedure is minimized, thus simplifying the tuning procedure during commissioning. Also, a new method of calculating the variable forgetting factor in real-time parameter identification is discussed. Studies show that the proposed APSS can provide good damping of the power system over a wide operating range and significantly improve the dynamic performance of the system.
A mobile gamma-ray scanning system has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for use in the U.S. Department of Energy's remedial action survey programs. The unit consists of NaI(Tl) detectors housed in a specially equipped van. The system is operator controlled through an on-board minicomputer with data output provided on the computer video screen, strip chart recorders, and an on-line printer. Data storage is provided on floppy disk. Multichannel analysis capabilities are included for qualitative radionuclide identification. A /sup 226/Ra-specific algorithm is currently employed to identify locations containing residual radium-bearing materials.
A mobile gamma-ray scanning system has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for use in the U.S. Department of Energy's remedial action survey programs. The unit consists of NaI(Tl) detectors housed in a specially equipped van. The system is operator controlled through an on-board minicomputer with data output provided on the computer video screen, strip chart recorders, and an on-line printer. Data storage is provided on floppy disk. Multichannel analysis capabilities are included for qualitative radionuclide identification. A "2"2"6Ra-specific algorithm is currently employed to identify locations containing residual radium-bearing materials.
Molecular simulation aims at simulating particles in interaction, describing a physico-chemical system. When considering Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling in this context, we often meet the same problem of statistical efficiency as with Molecular Dynamics for the simulation of complex molecules (polymers for example). The search for a correct sampling of the space of possible configurations with respect to the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution is directly related to the statistical efficiency of such algorithms (i.e. the ability of rapidly providing uncorrelated states covering all the configuration space). We investigated how to improve this efficiency with the help of Artificial Evolution (AE). AE algorithms form a class of stochastic optimization algorithms inspired by Darwinian evolution. Efficiency measures that can be turned into efficiency criteria have been first searched before identifying parameters that could be ...
Experience with the identification and tuning of exciter constants for a generating unit as the Second Nuclear Power Plant of Taiwan Power Company is reported. Field test is first performed on the excitation system with the generator open-circuited. Since the field test results differ from the computer simulation results using manufacturer`s constants, the authors first modify the manufacturer`s constants based on their previous experience to reach a preliminary set of parameters for the excitation system. Then a hybrid nonlinear simulation-sensitivity matrix method is developed to further refine the excitation system parameters. The exciter constants are tuned in order to give better dynamic response before a power system stabilizer is applied to the generator. Field tests are then performed in order to compare the dynamic response of the generator without and with power system stabilizer.
Experience with the identification and tuning of exciter constants for a generating unit as the Second Nuclear Power Plant of Taiwan Power Company is reported. Field test is first performed on the excitation system with the generator open-circuited. Since the field test results differ from the computer simulation results using manufacturer's constants, the authors first modify the manufacturer's constants based on their previous experience to reach a preliminary set of parameters for the excitation system. Then a hybrid nonlinear simulation-sensitivity matrix method is developed to further refine the excitation system parameters. The exciter constants are tuned in order to give better dynamic response before a power system stabilizer is applied to the generator. Field tests are then performed in order to compare the dynamic response of the generator without and with power system stabilizer.
An effective computer program for three dimensional relativistic hydrodynamical model has been developed. It implements a new approach to the early hot phase of relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The computer program simulates time-space evolution of nuclear matter in terms of ideal-fluid dynamics. Equations of motions of hydrodynamics are solved making use of finite difference methods. Commonly-used algorithms of numerical relativistic hydrodynamics RHLLE and MUSTA-FORCE have been applied in simulations. To speed-up calculations, parallel processing has been made available for solving hydrodynamical equations. The test results of simulations for 3D, 2D and Bjorken expansion are reported in this paper. As a next step we plan to implement the hadronization algorithm by implementing the continuous particle emission for freeze-out and comparing it with Cooper-Frye formula.
A novel approach to fault diagnosis is proposed using multiscale morphology analysis to extract impulsive features from the signals with strong background noise. Multiscale morphology is applied to one-dimensional signal by defining both the length and height scales of structuring elements (SEs). A local-peak-value based adaptive algorithm is also introduced. The new approach makes the selection of SEs more transparent and is independent of empirical rules. Both simulated impulsive and vibration signals of two defective roller bearings are employed to validate the proposed algorithm. The roller bearing faults presented in the validation include both inner and outer race faults. The test results show that the multiscale morphology analysis is effective and robust to extract morphological features.
Term extraction is one of the layers in the ontology development process which has the task to extract all the terms contained in the input document automatically. The purpose of this process is to generate list of terms that are relevant to the domain of the input document. In the literature there are many approaches, techniques and algorithms used for term extraction. In this paper we propose a new approach using particle swarm optimization techniques in order to improve the accuracy of term extraction results. We choose five features to represent the term score. The approach has been applied to the domain of religious document. We compare our term extraction method precision with TFIDF, Weirdness, GlossaryExtraction and TermExtractor. The experimental results show that our propose approach achieve better precision than those four algorithm.
In the 21st century, Aerial and satellite images are information rich. They are also complex to analyze. For GIS systems, many features require fast and reliable extraction of open space area from high resolution satellite imagery. In this paper we will study efficient and reliable automatic extraction algorithm to find out the open space area from the high resolution urban satellite imagery. This automatic extraction algorithm uses some filters and segmentations and grouping is applying on satellite images. And the result images may use to calculate the total available open space area and the built up area. It may also use to compare the difference between present and past open space area using historical urban satellite images of that same projection
A large hadron machine like the LHC with its high track multiplicities always asks for powerful tools that drastically reduce the large background while selecting signal events efficiently. Actually such tools are widely needed and used in all parts of particle physics. Regarding the huge amount of data that will be produced at the LHC, the process of training as well as the process of applying these tools to data, must be time efficient. Such tools can be multivariate analysis -- also called data mining -- tools. In this contribution we present the results for the application of the multivariate analysis, rule growing algorithm RIPPER on a problem of particle selection. It turns out that the meta-methods bagging and cost-sensitivity are essential for the quality of the outcome. The results are compared to other multivariate analysis techniques.
Feature selection refers to the problem of selecting relevant features which produce the most predictive outcome. In particular, feature selection task is involved in datasets containing huge number of features. Rough set theory has been one of the most successful methods used for feature selection. However, this method is still not able to find optimal subsets. This paper proposes a new feature selection method based on Rough set theory hybrid with Bee Colony Optimization (BCO) in an attempt to combat this. This proposed work is applied in the medical domain to find the minimal reducts and experimentally compared with the Quick Reduct, Entropy Based Reduct, and other hybrid Rough Set methods such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO).
This paper presents a design of fuzzy power system stabilizer (FPSS) using adaptive evolutionary computation (AEC). We have proposed an adaptive evolutionary algorithm which uses a genetic algorithm (GA) and an evolution strategy (ES) in an adaptive manner in order to take merits of two different evolutionary computations. FPSS shows better control performances than conventional power system stabilizer (CPSS) in three-phase fault with heavy load which is used when tuning FPSS. To show there robustness of the proposed FPSS, it is applied to damp the low frequency oscillations caused by disturbances such as three-phase fault with normal and light load, the angle deviation of generator with normal and light load and the angle deviation of generator with heavy load. Proposed FPSS shows better robustness than CPSS. (author). 15 refs., 13 figs., 3 tabs.
The main purpose of this paper is to explore a numerical algorithm for determining the contact stress when a circular crowned roller is compressed between two plates. To start with, the deformation curve on a plate surface will be derived by using the contact mechanical model. Then, the contact stress distribution along the roller which occurs on the plate surface is divided into three parts: from the center of contact to the edge, the edge and apart from the contact line. The first part is calculated by the elastic contact theorem for the contact subjected to nominal stress between non-crowned parts of roller and plates, the second part is obtained by the classical Hertzian contact solution for the contact between crowned parts of roller and plates, and the third part is simulated as exponential decay. In order to overcome the defect of the half space theorem, in which a plate with infinite thickness is assumed initially, a weighting method is introduced to find ...
Nature-inspired algorithms are among the most powerful algorithms for optimization. This paper intends to provide a detailed description of a new Firefly Algorithm (FA) for multimodal optimization applications. We will compare the proposed firefly algorithm with other metaheuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimization (PSO). Simulations and results indicate that the proposed firefly algorithm is superior to existing metaheuristic algorithms. Finally we will discuss its applications and implications for further research.
Nature-inspired algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization and Firefly Algorithm are among the most powerful algorithms for optimization. In this paper, we intend to formulate a new metaheuristic algorithm by combining Levy flights with the search strategy via the Firefly Algorithm. Numerical studies and results suggest that the proposed Levy-flight firefly algorithm is superior to existing metaheuristic algorithms. Finally implications for further research and wider applications will be discussed.
The paper describes the application of Fuzzy Power System Stabilizer(FPSS) for improving dynamic stability of power system. The Real-coding Genetic Algorithm(RGA) was applied to optimize gains of the inputs and outputs of the FPSS. The effectiveness of the proposed FPSS was demonstrated by simulation studies for single-machine infinite system. To show the superiority of the proposed FPSS, its performances were compared with those of Conventional Power System Stabilizer (CPSS). The proposed FPSS showed better control performances than the CPSS in three-phase ground fault under a normal load which was system condition in tuning FPSS. To show the robustness of the proposed FPSS, it was applied to damp the low frequency oscillations caused by disturbances such as three-phase ground fault under heavy and light load conditions. The proposed FPSS showed better performance than CPSS in terms of the settling time and damping effect ...
Web mining is the nontrivial process to discover valid, novel, potentially useful knowledge from web data using the data mining techniques or methods. It may give information that is useful for improving the services offered by web portals and information access and retrieval tools. With the rapid development of biclustering, more researchers have applied the biclustering technique to different fields in recent years. When biclustering approach is applied to the web usage data it automatically captures the hidden browsing patterns from it in the form of biclusters. In this work, swarm intelligent technique is combined with biclustering approach to propose an algorithm called Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) based Biclustering for Web Usage Data. The main objective of this algorithm is to retrieve the global optimal bicluster from the web usage data. These biclusters contain relationships ...
The present work gives preliminary results of analysis of drug mixtures (NEPHROSAL tea bag) and its water infusion. In a sample of dried drugs the elements K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Pb were identified, whereas in their water infusion only Ca, Mn, Zn and Sr were found. The method applied was radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis using a radionuclide source "1"0"9Cd, a Si/Li semiconductor detector and a multichannel analyzer Canberra 8100. (author) 6 refs.; 3 figs.
This report presents an overview of research activity currently being funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) on solid wastes from coal gasification, coal liquefaction, and oil shale technologies, Projects conducted in the DOE energy technology centers and national laboratories, and in cooperative projects with other government agencies, private industry, and universities are developing the basic and applied technology and data on which present and future fuel-conversion and utilization processes depend. The report identifies data gaps and recommends research needs where warranted.
The patch and voxel methods are representative examples of the ways in which multi-slice images may be displayed three-dimensionally by means of computer-graphics. Each of them have advantages and disadvantages and they are mutually complementary. We have developed algorithms for a modified voxel method which incorporates the advantages of the patch methods. We have applied this to the three-dimensional image display of brain tumor with excellent results. The three-dimensional reconstructions used for clinical application in this study were derived from X-ray CT images.
Recent research developments in common-pool resource models emphasize the importance of links with ecological systems and the presence of non-linearities, thresholds and multiple steady states. In a recent paper Kossioris et al. (2008) develop a methodology for deriving feedback Nash equilibria for non-linear differential games and apply this methodology to a common-pool resource model of a lake where pollution corresponds to benefits and at the same time affects the ecosystem services. This paper studies the structure of optimal state-dependent taxes that steer the combined economic-ecological system towards the trajectory of optimal management, and provides an algorithm for calculating such taxes.
The phase transition is a performance measure of the sparsity-undersampling tradeoff in compressed sensing (CS). This letter reports, for the first time, the existence of an exact phase transition for the $\\ell_1$ minimization approach to the complex valued CS problem. This discovery is not only a complementary result to the known phase transition of the real valued CS but also shows considerable superiority of the phase transition of complex valued CS over that of the real valued CS. The results are obtained by extending the recently developed ONE-L1 algorithms to complex valued CS and applying their optimal and iterative solutions to empirically evaluate the phase transition.
A modified variable structure interacting multiple model (M-VSIMM) estimator for complex hybrid maneuver target tracking is presented. The M-VSIMM could potentially be applied to fire control systems (FCS) used on warships. Target model groups were designed using 3D dimensional dynamic target models. Optimal model group selection logic was proposed, contrary to the activation and termination logic in the original VSIMM. The system will respond faster with optimal model group selection logic. After performing simulations, the tracking performances of the Kalman, ?-?(-?), VDIE, IMM and M-VSIMM filters were compared under various maneuvering conditions.
This talk will present an overview of the use of mathematical programming techniques in manufacturing management practice. The emphasis is on applied contributions in three areas: conceptual and qualitative results, modelling, and algorithms. The discussion will be limited to methods that have found or are likely to find application in practice. Overall the picture is not heartening and many promising directions have not resulted in practical applications. Yet there are several areas where significant opportunities exist, though they seem to be better for heuristics than for highly structured traditional models. Time will be available for discussion of topics that interest the participants.
Until April 2007 the Major Atmospheric Gamma ray Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescope used a 300 MSamples/s flash analog-to-digital converter (FADC) system to sample the shaped photomultiplier tube (PMT) signals produced by the captured Cherenkov photons of air showers. Different algorithms to reconstruct the signal from the read-out samples (extractors) have been implemented and are described and compared. Criteria based on the obtained charge and time resolution/bias are defined and used to judge the different extractors, by applying them to calibration, cosmic and pedestal signals. The achievable charge and time resolution have been derived as functions of the number of incident photo-electrons.
The advent of rapid, reliable and cheap computing power over the last decades has transformed many, if not most, fields of science and engineering. The multidisciplinary field of optimization is no exception. First of all, with fast computers, researchers and engineers can apply classical optimization methods to problems of larger and larger size. In addition, however, researchers have developed a host of new optimization algorithms that operate in a rather different way than the classical ones, and that allow practitioners to attack optimization problems where the classical methods are either
This paper uses multi-pass iteration particle swarm optimization (MIPSO) to solve short term hydroelectric generation scheduling of a power system with wind turbine generators. MIPSO is a new algorithm for solving nonlinear optimal scheduling problems. A new index called iteration best (IB) is incorporated into particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve solution quality. The concept of multi-pass dynamic programming is applied to modify PSO further and improve computation efficiency.The feasible operational regions of the hydro units and pumped storage plants over the whole scheduling time range must be determined before applying MIPSO to the problem. Wind turbine power generation then shaves the power system load curves. Next, MIPSO calculates hydroelectric generation scheduling. It beg...
An integrated tabu-fuzzy knowledge based controller applied to enhance the performance of power system stabilizer (PSS) is presented in this paper. The fuzzy knowledge based controller (FKBC) has been developed to perform the function of a PSS and to provide a supplementary signal to the excitation system of the synchronous generator. The method used for storing and representing the fuzzy rules is called the fuzzy associative memory (FAM) matrix. The well-defined FAM determines the performance of the FKBC and hence the tabu search algorithm is proposed and applied to determine the construction and optimization of the FAM. The controller has been tested in the case of single machine infinite bus and multi-machine systems for various types of disturbance. To show the effectiveness of the proposed controller, the comparison with the conventional PSS is presented. (author)
This paper presents a new method to compensate the nonlinearities for matrix converter drives. The nonlinearities of matrix converter drives such as commutation delay, turn-on and turn-off time of the switching devices, and on-state switching device voltage drop is corrected by a new matrix converter model using the direction of current. The proposed method does not need any additional hardware or complicated software and it is easy to realize by applying the algorithm to the conventional vector control. The proposed compensation method is applied for high-performance induction motor drives using a 3-kW matrix converter system without a speed sensor. Experimental results show the proposed method provides good compensating characteristics.
A new three-dimensional (3D) acoustic modelling method was developed using a first-order hyperbolic wave system which was solved with explicit finite dfferences. The numerical solution of the 3D wave system provides a useful method for simulating evolution of a pressure field corresponding to compressional type waves. Existing two-dimensional (2D) elastic modelling algorithms were modified and fine-tuned for computationally efficient and realistic wave propagation simulations in complex structures. An original formulation of the 3D reverse time migration method was developed which is very accurate, does not suffer from unwanted evenescent energy, can image dips beyond 90{degree}, and does not generate multiple energy. Two case studies were performed that involved steam stimulation projects in the Cold Lake deposit. Simulations were performed during different phases of the steam stimulation process to examine the relation between reservoir properties and conditions ...
Using Monte Carlo simulation and the convolution/superposition algorithm, this work examines percent depth dose curves of the central axis in an acrylic phantom (20x20x20 cm"3) with variously sized air cavities (20x20x1.0, 20x20x2.0, 20x20x3.0, 20x20x4.0 and 20x20x4.95 cm"3 for study of longitudinal electron disequilibrium (ED) and 3.6x3.6x4.95, 4.5x4.5x4.95, 5.4x5.4x4.95 and 20x20x4.95 cm"3 for study of lateral ED). Radiochromic film samples are also measured to verify the Monte Carlo results. The Monte Carlo simulation is performed using OMEGA/BEAM and DOSXYZ codes, and the convolution/superposition calculation relies on an ADAC commercial treatment planning system. Underestimating the dose kernel expansion leads to overestimating the dose of what was found in the air cavity of ED using the convolution/superposition algorithm. Consequently, the dose in the rebuild-up region is influenced. The influenced region is on the acrylic phantom ...
In the fields of medical imaging, geophysical well logging, and industrial radiography, it is often of interest to characterize the spatially distributed sensitivities of neutron and gamma-ray measurement devices to the physical properties of the materials being examined. For instance, one may wish to know how the count rate in a detector varies in response to small changes in the local density of the irradiated object as a function of position. Experimental determination of such sensitivity functions is often impractical. Consequently, we have developed a general three-dimensional Monte Carlo numerical technique that allows us to directly compute the differential sensitivity of an arbitrary integral response parameter, such as a time- or energy-discriminated count rate, with respect to the spatial distribution of macroscopic cross sections and sources in the irradiated medium. Sensitivities to object density, porosity, etc., can easily be derived from these computed fundamental ...
Uncertainty in computer vision can arise at various levels. It can occur in the low level in the raw sensor input, and extends all the way through intermediate and higher levels. Ideally, at any level where decisions are being made on the basis of previous processing steps, a computer vision system must have sufficient flexibility for representation of uncertainty in any of these levels. The input cue representation portion of a computer vision system should maintain the information content of the original input images, while at the same time allowing for uncertainty in the identification of attributes required by other parts of the system for decision making. Processes such as edge detection, segmentation, and shape matching yield results which could bias higher level decision making, unless some framework is defined for the representation of uncertainty in the context of fuzzy set theory where membership values associated with the fuzzy sets contain a consistent ...
This paper presents a new methodology to create realistic 3D microstructures of polycrystals. The virtual microstructures are based on statistical data describing the morphological and crystallographic textures of a sample, obtained from an EBSD analysis. In addition, the methodology can reproduce the observed surface on top of the simulated microstructure. This feature allows finite element calculations on these virtual aggregates to be compared to experimental results of mechanical tests. Such a comparison leads to the identification of the mechanical parameters of constitutive laws, such as critical resolved shear stress and strain hardening, using an optimization algorithm. Two materials were simulated in this study: TiAl and grade 702 zirconium. The first one presents twins inside the microstructure and the second one has an anisotropic texture. Based on 2D simulations, the important parameters necessary to describe a microstructure were ...
SummaryIntended Outputs: Identification and evaluation, using participatory approaches, of demand management options:*Technical*Allocative and market based*Impact on target beneficiariesSupporting measures required when introducing water demand management options above:*Extension services & training*Water licences/rights*Institutional changes*Legal measures and regulation*Education*Support in diversifying to less water demanding activities*S [continued...]ObjectivesIdentification of the most appropriate demand management strategies for ground water abstraction, where aquifiers are being over-exploited, ensuring sustainable livelihoods of the vulnerable and poor are safeguarded. Poverty reduction strategies for areas where groundwater is being over-exploited.DescriptionProject Background: Groundwater is the principal source of both irrigation and domestic water supplies in many arid and semi-arid countries. However, many of these countries ...
Recent technological developments have facilitated intensified searches for genetic markers under selection in nonmodel species. Here, we present an approach for the identification of candidate gene variation in nonmodel organisms. We report on the characterization of 82 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and on the development of a specific genotyping assay for 30 SNPs in 18 candidate genes for growth and reproduction in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). These markers can be used for scanning natural populations for signatures of selection in both contemporary and archived historical samples, for example in retrospective studies assessing the effects of environmental changes, such as increasing temperatures, and selection imposed by high fishing pressure. Furthermore, these gene markers may be of interest to aquaculture, serving as a starting point for linking phenotypic traits important for productivity with genotypes and potentially be of use for marker-assisted ...
We have developed a Bragg curve counter (BCC) equipped with an active cathode to extend the energy acceptance to lower energies than for a conventional BCC to measure differential cross-sections of fragment production reactions induced by tens of MeV protons. The signal from the active cathode providing the timing signal of fragment incidence and the time difference signal between the cathode and anode gives information on the fragment range in the BCC on the basis of electron drift time. Utilization of the range information made possible identification of fragments less than 0.5 MeV/u that is lower than the identification threshold of a conventional BCC technique. After investigations on fundamental properties of a newly constructed BCC using heavy ion beams and alpha-particles, this method was applied successfully to a fragment production measurement for 70 MeV proton-induced reactions on carbon. With this technique, the ...
An outline is given of time-dependent wavepacket methods as applied to calculations of molecular collisions with solid surfaces. The methods reviewed include numerical integration algorithms for the time-dependent Schroedinger equation, semiclassical wavepacket treatments, and approximations that treat some of the degrees-of-freedom quantum-mechanically and others classically. The computational and numerical characteristics of these methods are discussed, with emphasis on their particular advantages and relevance in the context of certain molecule/surface scattering problems. For the semiclassical and mixed quantal-classical treatments, the approximation errors and their physical origins are discussed. For the quantum wavepacket techniques a numerical error analysis is presented. The computational efficiency of the various algorithms is considered and examined in the context of several applications. The main focus is on ...
The seismic reflection exploration technique which is one of the geophysical methods for oil exploration became effectively to image the subsurface structure with rapid development of computer. As a tool to perform seismic inversion, seismic forward modeling program using ray tracing should be developed. In this study, we have developed the algorithm that is to calculate the travel time of the complex geological structure using ray tracing by subdividing the geologic model into triangular element (finite element) having the constant velocity. We can analytically calculate Jacobian with some information by this current ray tracing. With this Jacobian, we will develop new algorithm which is to obtain geological properties and to image the subsurface. Since the FEM (Finite Element Method) ray tracing we have developed goes well the inverse velocities structure, we can apply the inversion problem to complex geological model. ...
Reactor Regulating System (RRS) of TAPP-3 and 4 (540 MWe PHWR) addresses issues of elaborate Flux Tilt Control as applied to large Reactor Cores in addition to the traditional Bulk Power (Actual Power) Control. The control of Bulk and Zonal Power by RRS through the use of Zonal Control Compartments (ZCCs) has been successfully demonstrated in the Indian PHWRs for the first time. Features like automation in Demand Power Maneuvering, Manual Movement of Reactivity Devices through the Human Machine Interface (HMI) and the supervised withdrawal of Shut-off Rods during Auto Criticality are also included. Special algorithms to measure and control the individual Zone Power and Bulk Power also form part of RRS algorithms. This paper describes the salient features of RRS of TAPP-3 and 4 and the improvement carried out based on the feedback of past 1 year of operation of TAPP-4 at around 90 % FP. (author)
Target recognition requires the ability to distinguish targets from non-targets, a capability called one-class generalization. To function as a one-class classifier, a neural network must have three types of generalization: within-class, between-class, and out-of-class. We discuss these three types of generalization and identify neural network architectures that meet these requirements. We have applied our one-class classifier ideas to the problem of automatic target recognition in synthetic aperture radar. We have compared three neural network algorithms: Carpenter and Grossberg`s algorithmic version of the Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART-2A), Kohonen`s Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ), and Reilly and Cooper`s Restricted Columb Energy network (RCE). The ART 2-A neural network has given the best results, with 100% within-class, and out-of-class generalization. Experiments show that the network`s performance is sensitive to ...
Target recognition requires the ability to distinguish targets from non-targets, a capability called one-class generalization. Many neural network pattern classifiers fail as one-class classifiers because they use open decision boundaries. To function as one-class classifier, a neural network must have three types of generalization: within-class, between-class, and out-of-class. We discuss these three types of generalization and identify neural network architectures that meet these requirements. We have applied our one-class classifier ideas to the problem of automatic target recognition in synthetic aperture radar. We have compared three neural network algorithms: Carpenter and Grossberg`s algorithmic version of the Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART-2A), Kohonen`s Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ), and Reilly and Cooper`s Restricted Coulomb Energy network (RCE). The ART 2-A neural network gives the best results, with 100% ...
A novel method to detect and correct inaccuracies in a set of unconstrained dense correspondences between two images is presented. Starting with a robust, general-purpose dense correspondence algorithm, an initial pose estimate and dense 3D scene reconstruction are obtained and bundle-adjusted. Reprojection errors are then computed for each correspondence pair, which is used as a metric to distinguish high and low-error correspondences. An affine neighborhood-based coarse-to-fine iterative search algorithm is then applied only on the high-error correspondences to correct their positions. Such an error detection and correction mechanism is novel for unconstrained dense correspondences, for example not obtained through epipolar geometry-based guided matching. Results indicate that correspondences in regions with issues such as occlusions, repetitive patterns and moving objects can be identified and corrected, such that a more ...
Finite-difference acoustic-wave modeling and reverse-time depth migration based on the full wave equation are general approaches that can take into account arbitrary variations in velocity and density and can handle turning waves as well. However, conventional finite-difference methods for solving the acoustic- or elastic-wave equation suffer from numerical dispersion when too few samples per wavelength are used. The flux-corrected transport (FCT) algorithm, adapted from hydrodynamics, reduces the numerical dispersion in finite-difference wavefield continuation. The flux-correction procedure endeavors to incorporate diffusion into the wavefield continuation process only where needed to suppress the numerical dispersion. Incorporating the flux-correction procedure in conventional finite-difference modeling or reverse-time migration can provide finite-difference solutions with no numerical dispersion even for impulsive sources. The FCT correction, which can be ...
Sparse learning has recently received increasing attention in many areas including machine learning, statistics, and applied mathematics. The mixed-norm regularization based on the L1/Lq norm with q > 1 is attractive in many applications of regression and classification in that it facilitates group sparsity in the model. The resulting optimization problem is, however, challenging to solve due to the structure of the L1/Lq -regularization. Existing work deals with special cases including q = 2,infinity, and they cannot be easily extended to the general case. In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm based on the accelerated gradient method for solving the L1/Lq -regularized problem, which is applicable for all values of q larger than 1, thus significantly extending existing work. One key building block of the proposed algorithm is the L1/Lq -regularized Euclidean projection (EP1q). Our theoretical analysis reveals ...
Data mining is a useful decision support technique that can be used to discover production rules in warehouses or corporate data. Data mining research has made much effort to apply various mining algorithms efficiently on large databases. However, a serious problem in their practical application is the long processing time of such algorithms. Nowadays, one of the key challenges is to integrate data mining methods within the framework of traditional database systems. Indeed, such implementations can take advantage of the efficiency provided by SQL engines. In this paper, we propose an integrating approach for decision trees within a classical database system. In other words, we try to discover knowledge from relational databases, in the form of production rules, via a procedure embedding SQL queries. The obtained decision tree is defined by successive, related relational views. Each view corresponds to a given population in ...
A self-optimizing pole-shifting control algorithm has been developed for an adaptive power system stabilizer (APSS) to improve its dynamic performance and autonomous operation. The proposed algorithm deals with the system frequency and time domain characteristics simultaneously to guarantee stability and to enhance the performance of the closed-loop system. The mechanism of discrete control system control limits influencing the closed loop system behaviour is studied. Short-term behaviour is studied by introducing the concept of a short-term behaviour index. With the introduction of dynamic control limits, an effective discrete control system design method is proposed. A PSS oriented power system dynamics simulation package (PSDSP) has been developed. Using the PSDSP, simulation studies were performed with the proposed APSS applied to a single machine and a multi machine power system. The performance of the APSS is ...
New York City data indicate that seasonal and annual variations in dispersion-normalized air pollutant concentrations appear to accurately reflect changes in source emission patterns. The normalized concentrations make it possible to observe the impact of regulatory changes on ambient air quality without these impacts being obscured by meteorological fluctuations. It is found that numerical modeling techniques and regression analysis can be powerful tools for extracting information from large sets of air quality data. The use of differential, as opposed to absolute, pollutant concentration values will reduce artifact correlations caused by seasonal, weekly, or daily meteorological fluctuations and will permit more accurate estimation of the regression coefficients. This technique was successfully applied to a set of daily pollution measurements whose absolute concentrations were found not to yield a statistically significant fit by multiple regression.
New York City data indicate that seasonal and annual variations in dispersion-normalized air pollutant concentrations appear to accurately reflect changes in source emission patterns. The normalized concentrations make it possible to observe the impact of regulatory changes on ambient air quality without these impacts being obscured by meteorological fluctuations. It is found that numerical modeling techniques and regression analysis can be powerful tools for extracting information from large sets of air quality data. The use of differential, as opposed to absolute, pollutant concentration values will reduce artifact correlations caused by seasonal, weekly, or daily meteorological fluctuations and will permit more accurate estimation of the regression coefficients. This technique was successfully applied to a set of daily pollution measurements whose absolute concentrations were found not to yield a statistically significant fit by multiple regression.
This study investigated the occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in immunodeficiency wards of hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 70 dust and biofilm samples from wards serving transplant, pediatric (malignancies), HIV, leukemia and oncology patients of five university hospitals were collected and examined for the presence of FLA using culturing and molecular approaches. Based on the morphology of the amoebae in plate cultures, primer sets were applied for molecular identification of Acanthamoeba, vahlkampfiid amoebae and Hartmannella. Out of 70 samples, 37 (52.9%) were positive for FLA. Acanthamoeba belonged to the T4 genotype was the most prevalent isolate. Presence of the T4 genotype on medical instruments, including an oxygen mask in an isolation room of an immunodeficiency pediat...
The determination of the oxidation state of ultra-trace elements in the environment, especially in the case of actinides, is of importance in many ways. Speciation techniques using radiation may comprise methods based on the detection of the nuclear and atomic radiations emitted in radioactive decay or methods using external sources of excitation. In the former instance, information can be obtained from the energy and intensity of radiation, but at present the partition method is still the most commonly used, although its reliability is questionable. Excitation with intense laser beams, as is currently being used for trace element analysis in photoacoustic and thermal lensing spectroscopic techniques, could conceivably be applied under suitable conditions to ultra-trace elements with a sensitivity approaching that of the radiochemical methods.
Photoelectron resonance capture ionization aerosol mass spectrometry (PERCI-AMS) has been applied to the analysis of proxies for marine aerosols with and without ozone; proxies used were mixed oleic acid-amino acid particles. The mechanism of ion formation for serine (104 m/z), glutamic acid (146 m/z), and phenylalanine (164 m/z) was dissociative electron attachment. This corresponds to loss of the hydrogen atom only, allowing for straightforward identification of the free amino acids. No ozonolysis products for the free amino acids were observed, even at high concentrations of ozone (500 ppm for 19 s). The direct detection of a novel gas-phase hydrated anion, [serine + H2O-H]-, is described. These preliminary results suggest that PERCI-AMS may provide an effective, simple and direct onlin...
Various measurement tools that are used in chaos theory were applied to analyze two-phase pressure signals with the objective of identifying and interpreting flow pattern transitions for two-phase flows in a small, horizontal rectangular channel. These measurement tools included power spectral density function, autocorrelation function, pseudo-phase-plane trajectory, Lyapunov exponent,s and fractal dimensions. It was demonstrated that the randomlike pressure fluctuations characteristic of two-phase flow in small rectangular channels are chaotic, and governed by a high-order deterministic system. The correlation dimension is potentially a new approach for identifying certain two-phase flow patterns and transitions.
This paper presents an application of the state of the art and new trends for risk management of safety-related control and monitoring systems, currently applied in the industry. These techniques not only enable to manage safety and reliability issues but they also help in the control of quality and economic factors affected by the availability and maintenance of the system. The method includes an unambiguous definition of the system in terms of functions and a systematic analysis of hazardous situations, undesired events and possible malfunctions. It also includes the identification and quantification of the risk associated to the system. The required risk reduction is specified in terms of safety integrity levels. The safety integrity level results in requirements, preventive measures, possible improvements and recommendations to assure the satisfactory management of the risk.
A recently developed hydrodistillation?solvent microextraction (HD?SME) method coupled to gas chromatography?mass spectrometry (GC?MS) was applied to the analysis of volatile components of aerial parts of Echinophora cinerea (Boiss). By the use of a simplex optimization method, the effects of extraction time, sample weight and microdrop volume on the extraction efficiency of the method were optimized. In the optimized conditions, 3??L of n-heptadecane was suspended in the headspace of 6?g of hydrodistillating sample, using a microsyringe. After 7?min, the solvent was retracted back into the syringe and directly injected into the GC?MS injection port. The HD?SME method was compared to a conventional hydrodistillation technique. In general, the extraction with HD?SME was relatively faster an...
This paper presents a new and simple method for sensorless control of matrix converter drives using a power flowing to the motor. The proposed control algorithm is based on controlling the instantaneous real and imaginary powers into the induction motor. To improve low-speed sensorless performance, the nonlinearities of a matrix converter drive such as commutation delays, turn-ON and turn-OFF times of switching devices, and on-state switching device voltage drop are modeled using a PQ power transformation and compensated using a reference power control scheme. The proposed sensorless control method is applied for the induction motor drive using a 3 kW matrix converter system. Experimental results are shown to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed strategy. Udgivelsesdato: September
A new power system stabilizer (PSS) design method for single-machine infinite-bus systems is developed. This design method not only assigns the poles corresponding to the electro-mechanical oscillation modes in the system, but also located other system poles in suitable places in the s-plane. The design procedure is used first to translate a PSS design problem to an equivalent constant output feedback controller design problem for a single-input multi-output (SIMO) system. Then, a new algorithm developed in this paper is applied to design a constant output feedback controller to achieve the desired closed-loop system pole locations. Finally, the controller gains are transferred back to the parameters in the PSS. The extension of the method to multi-machine power systems is also illustrated. (Author).
The modeling and optimizing processes of a Ground Coupled Heat Pump (GCHP) with closed Horizontal Ground Heat eXchanger (HGHX) are presented in this paper. After thermal modeling of GCHP including HGHX, the optimum design parameters of the system were estimated by minimizing a defined objective function (total of investment and operation costs) subject to a list of constraints. This procedure was performed applying Genetic Algorithm technique. For given heating/cooling loads and various climatic conditions, the optimum values of saturated temperature/pressure of condenser and evaporator as well as inlet and outlet temperatures of the water source in cooling and heating modes were predicted. Then, for our case study, the design parameters as well as the configuration of HGHX were obtained. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of change in the total annual cost of the system and optimum design parameters with the climatic conditions, ...
The fast rotating wire scanners installed in the PS and the PS booster are used for the precise transversal profile measurements in horizontal and vertical planes. The scanners may show large position measurement errors if no special treatment is applied to the acquired data. The aim of the calibration is to obtain a correction algorithm for the systematic position measurement error due to mechanical and electronic offsets. A new calibration system has been developed and introduced at CERN for the scanners implementing position feedback control. The calibration method is based on a substitution of a particle beam by a laser one where the laser beam position is well known. According to the previous experience the following crucial requirements to the system have been taking into consideration: heavy and mechanically stable design of the calibration bench to reduce mechanical oscillations of scanner parts; automation of the calibration procedure ...
We suggest a procedure for estimating uncertainties in neutron cross sections calculated with a nuclear model descriptive of a specific mass region. It applies standard error propagation techniques, using a model-parameter covariance matrix. Generally, available codes do not generate covariance information in conjunction with their fitting algorithms. Therefore, we resort to estimating a relative covariance matrix a posteriori from a statistical examination of the scatter of elemental parameter values about the regional representation. We numerically demonstrate our method by considering an optical-statistical model analysis of a body of total and elastic scattering data for the light fission-fragment mass region. In this example, strong uncertainty correlations emerge and they conspire to reduce estimated errors to some 50% of those obtained from a naive uncorrelated summation in quadrature. 37 references.
{The determination of cluster masses is a complex problem that would be aided by information about the cluster shape and orientation (along the line-of-sight).} {It is in this context, that we have developed a scheme for identifying the intrinsic morphology and inclination of a cluster, by looking for the signature of the true cluster characteristics in the inter-comparison of the different deprojected emissivity profiles (that all project to the same X-ray brightness distribution) and by using SZe data when available.} {We deproject the cluster X-ray surface brightness profile under the assumptions of four different geometry and inclination configurations for the observed system; these 4 configurations correspond to four extreme geometry+inclination scenarios. The deprojection in question is performed by the non-parametric algorithm DOPING. The formalism is tested with model systems and then is applied to a sample of 24 clusters. While the ...
Abstract A control framework was developed for real time implementation of optimal control of emulsion polymerization with multiple monomers by integrating model based algorithms with software engines. The developed system was applied for controlling conversion, particle size, molar mass, and polymer composition using model predictive control (MPC) based on mechanistic models for emulsion polymerization. The control formulation was extended to account for existing process constraints on the input, input moves, and solids content. On experimental testing, the developed control scheme was found to achieve the desired objectives without violating the process constraints and showed good robustness in rejecting disturbances. Improvements in the process operation and polymer property control wer...
I describe a search for anomalous production of Z pairs through a new massive resonance X in 2.5-2.9 fb{sup -1} of p{bar p} collisions at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV using the CDFII Detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. I reconstruct Z pairs through their decays to electrons, muons, and quarks. To achieve perhaps the most efficient lepton reconstruction ever used at CDF, I apply a thorough understanding of the detector and new reconstruction software heavily revised for this purpose. In particular, I have designed and employ new general-purpose algorithms for tracking at large {eta} in order to increase muon acceptance. Upon analyzing the unblinded signal samples, I observe no X {yields} ZZ candidates and set upper limits on the production cross section using a Kaluza-Klein graviton-like acceptance.
This work addresses the problem of estimating the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of two sources using an array of sensors. This problem is mostly useful in radar applications, where we have few targets at each range bin. Super-resolution algorithms, such as maximum likelihood (ML) estimation and multiple signal classification (MUSIC), have been applied to this problem, but the former involves high computation efforts, while the later has poor estimation performance for coherent sources. In this work, we propose a DOA estimation network, named RBF-AML, which combines the approximated ML (AML) estimator and a radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN). In the proposed RBF-AML network, the entire two dimensional DOA space is divided into multiple sectors covered by RBF experts. The AML funct...
A dose calculation algorithm for MLC based conformal radiotherapy is described in this paper. The algorithm is formulated by the coordinate of MLC leaves. Verification on the algorithm is made by comparing the dose distributions generated by this algorithm with that generated by a Differential Convolution Superposition algorithm for various regular and irregular fields. The results demonstrate that the present algorithm has suitable accuracy and high computational efficiency, thus it could be useful for the treatment planning process in MLC based conformal radiotherapy, where the workload for interactively or automatically designing the shapes of MLC is heavy. (authors)
The objective of this project is to develop improved seismic event location techniques that can be used to generate more and better quality reference events using data from local and regional seismic networks. Their approach is to extend existing methods of multiple-event location with more general models of the errors affecting seismic arrival time data, including picking errors and errors in model-based travel-times (path corrections). Toward this end, they are integrating a grid-search based algorithm for multiple-event location (GMEL) with a new parameterization of travel-time corrections and new kriging method for estimating the correction parameters from observed travel-time residuals. Like several other multiple-event location algorithms, GMEL currently assumes event-independent path corrections and is thus restricted to small event clusters. The new parameterization assumes that travel-time corrections are a function of both the event ...
Due to the fact that, the workers' behavior is characterized by its complexity and diversity, this issue has been seen as a great 'black box' in discussions regarding the Management Systems of SHE. Associated with this issue other arises: How conscious people? How to engage them with the process? How to improve the risk control? How to motivate the prevention? Most of these responses are discussed in the Social and Human Sciences for many years. However, it is necessary to closer the technical-operational knowledge and the human aspects, applying in the organizations' daily work, to make the working environment more safe. The purpose of this study, therefore, is examining the possibility of reducing accidents through the identification and treatment of deviations (unsafe acts and unsafe conditions), cause the whole accident, be it serious or not, begins with a small deviation. It was used as a reference tool, ...
Data Mining deals extracting hidden knowledge, unexpected pattern and new rules from large database. Various customized data mining tools have been developed for domain specific applications such as Biomedicine, DNA analysis and telecommunication. Trends in data mining include further efforts towards the exploration of new application areas and methods for handling complex data types, algorithm scalability, constraint based data mining and visualization methods. In this paper we will present domain specific Secure Multiparty computation technique and applications. Data mining has matured as a field of basic and applied research in computer science in general. In this paper, we survey some of the recent approaches and architectures where data mining has been applied in the fields of e-payment systems. In this paper we limit our discussion to data mining in the context of e-payment systems. We also mention a few directions ...
The real-time neutron radiography system of the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR) has been practically applied to penetrating the side plates containing boron burnable poison to test MTR type reactor fuels and to investigation of moving objects. Compared with the image obtained by the direct film method, however, the image from the TV system is in low-contrast and poor-resolution. This paper presents some digital processing approaches to improve the image quality and the neutron TV system is successfully applied to neutron computed tomography (NCT). The frame summing technique is effective to increase the quality of the radiographic image. By using the NTV system in NCT, the projection data are able to be acquired in a single measurement as observing the projection image on a CRT monitor. Two weighting functions based on the Fourier-convolution algorithm are employed to obtain the reconstructed image. The image quality could ...
The real-time neutron radiography system of the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR) has been practically applied to penetrating the side plates containing boron burnable poison to test MTR type reactor fuels and to investigation of moving objects. Compared with the image obtained by the direct film method, however, the image from the TV system is in low-contrast and poor-resolution. This paper presents some digital processing approaches to improve the image quality and the neutron TV system is successfully applied to neutron computed tomography (NCT). The frame summing technique is effective to increase the quality of the radiographic image. By using the NTV system in NCT, the projection data are able to be acquired in a single measurement as observing the projection image on a CRT monitor. Two weighting functions based on the Fourier-convolution algorithm are employed to obtain the reconstructed image. The image quality could ...
Very large databases are required to store massive amounts of data that are continuously inserted and queried. Analyzing huge data sets and extracting valuable pattern in many applications are interesting for researchers. We can identify two main groups of techniques for huge data bases mining. One group refers to streaming data and applies mining techniques whereas second group attempts to solve this problem directly with efficient algorithms. Recently many researchers have focused on data stream as an efficient strategy against huge data base mining instead of mining on entire data base. The main problem in data stream mining means evolving data is more difficult to detect in this techniques therefore unsupervised methods should be applied. However, clustering techniques can lead us to discover hidden information. In this survey, we try to clarify: first, the different problem definitions related to data stream clustering ...
Classical control theory has played a major role in the development of present-day technologies. Likewise, recently developed quantum optimal control methods can be applied to emerging quantum technologies, e.g. quantum information processing -- until now, at the level of a few qubits. However, such methods encounter severe limits when applied to many-body quantum systems: due to the complexity of simulating the latter, existing quantum control algorithms (requiring many iterations to converge) usually fail to yield a desired final state within an acceptable computational time. In contrast, we present here a strategy for controlling a vast range of non-integrable one-dimensional systems that is efficiently applicable to quantum many-body systems, as it can be merged with state-of-the-art tensor network simulation methods like the Density Matrix Renormalization Group. To demonstrate its potential, we employ it to solve a ...
We present a development of the use of the AAPM TG-43 dose formalism applied to "1"3"7Cs gynecological implant sources. The geometry factor, radial dose function, and anisotropy function of a "1"3"7Cs source modeled after the Nuclear Associates 67-809 series stainless steel jacketed tube source were derived following the AAPM TG-43 formalism. The dose rate distribution through the center of the source using the AAPM TG-43 dose formalism is calculated and compared with the calculations obtained using the Sievert summation and Monte Carlo simulation. The three methods resulted in an agreement within less than 5%, or an isodose rate line agreement within 2 mm. We demonstrate that the AAPM TG-43 formalism can be applied to "1"3"7Cs linear sources and is capable of serving as a "1"3"7Cs dose calculation algorithm that can be used for treatment planning purpose.
On-orbit spectral calibration of hyperspectral imaging data is a key step for quantitatively analyzing them. Like the atmospheric correction, accurate spectral calibration is very necessary for improved studies of land or ocean surface properties. Based on the previous literatures, a new method which coupled an optimization algorithm was developed to simultaneously retrieve the central wavelength and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the hyperspectral sensor without needing the in situ reflectance spectra. Firstly, the Hyperion data set simulated using MODTRAN4 with the Hyperion spectral specification was used to test the new method, and the results indicated that the maximum error was less than 0.1 and 0.7 nm for central wavelength and FWHM respectively when the spectral shift is 5 nm. Then the algorithm was applied to the Hyperion data acquired on May 20, 2008 over Heihe River Basin and it was iteratively performed ...
This paper describes Automatic Refueling Planning System (ARPS) for a nuclear power station using Genetic Algorithms (GA) and a Simulated Annealing (SA). ARPS has been developed and verified by applying to the Fugen nuclear power station (NPS), which is a 165MWe, heavy water-moderated, boiling light water-cooled, pressure tube-type reactor developed by JNC utilizing mainly uranium and plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. Fuel loading patterns have been managed independently in the Fugen NPS since the initial core. A planning of an adequate fuel loading pattern on each operational cycle needs one to two months even for expert core management engineers, for the reason that it has multi-objective optimization and nonlinear problems. In order to achieve the optimum fuel loading pattern and a fuel cost reduction, ARPS has been developed by JNC and CRC Solutions Corporation for the last five years. ARPS firstly generates several thousand fuel loading ...
OBJECTIVE--To develop, test, and validate an algorithm for diagnosing disease in neonates during an over the telephone referral to a specialist cardiac centre. DESIGN--A draft algorithm requiring only...Full Text Available
Previous studies have shown that iterative in-line x-ray phase retrieval algorithms may have higher precision than direct retrieval algorithms. This communication compares three iterative phase...Full Text Available
The possibility of gamma-absorption identification of the analyzed substance is considered. the basic provisions of the proposed method are concentrated on the example of carbohydrates and hydrocarbons. The above method is tested experimentally on polyethylenes and polystyrene
In recent years, Clostridium species have rapidly reemerged as human and animal pathogens. The detection and identification of pathogenic Clostridium species...Full Text Available
As adulterated and substituted Chinese medicinal materials are common in the market, therapeutic effectiveness of such materials cannot be guaranteed. Identification at species-, strain- and locality-levels,...Full Text Available
Abstracts are presented of 63 papers on the following topics: large-scale optimization, interior-point methods, algorithms for optimization, problems in control, network optimization methods, and parallel algorithms for optimization problems.
As presented in [4], the Sigma-Point Consider Filter (SPCF) algorithm extends ... lines of the derivative-free, Sigma-Point Kalman Filter algorithm given in ...
Ageing of nuclear power plants means evolution of material or equipment properties on one side, and evolution of personnel skill and procedure adequacy on the other side, both of which, after a certain time, may not be compatible with the required safety provisions, or with an economic operation of the plant. Repair or replacement of components, as well as change in service conditions for a better compatibility with component reduced capabilities can be used to mitigate ageing effects. The paper summarises the results of a study conducted in this field with the support of the European Commission. It presents: the synthesis of the work done under international auspices, and in the European context; the comparison of ageing management approaches used in several European countries with international recommendations; the summary of the various potential phenomena and their governing parameters, the methods of in-service ageing identification and possible mitigation ...
Colerectal cancer (CRC) is the second commonest cancer in the Western World. Successful treatment relies significantly on accurate detection and staging of primary disease as well as the early identification of the presence and extent of recurrence. Morphological imaging techniques, particularly computed tomography (CT), are well established and widely available to carry out these tasks in addition to predicting and monitoring response to therapy. This review analyses the current inadequacies for imaging CRC and critically assesses the potential role of functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). It was reviewed the current literature, to use the experience from the firs 1000 PET studies carried out at the institution and the perspective of surgical colleagues. It was found little evidence for the use of 2-["1"8F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-PET for screening asymptomatic individuals and current modalities appear better suited for detection of ...
The Hawaii Demand-Side Management Resource Assessment was the fourth of seven projects in the Hawaii Energy Strategy (HES) program. HES was designed by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to produce an integrated energy strategy for the State of Hawaii. The purpose of Project 4 was to develop a comprehensive assessment of Hawaii`s demand-side management (DSM) resources. To meet this objective, the project was divided into two phases. The first phase included development of a DSM technology database and the identification of Hawaii commercial building characteristics through on-site audits. These Phase 1 products were then used in Phase 2 to identify expected energy impacts from DSM measures in typical residential and commercial buildings in Hawaii. The building energy simulation model DOE-2.1E was utilized to identify the DSM energy impacts. More detailed information on the typical buildings and the DOE-2.1E modeling effort is ...
In many parts of the United States, as well as other regions of the world, competing demands for fresh water or water suitable for desalination are outstripping sustainable supplies. In these areas, new water supplies are necessary to sustain economic development and agricultural uses, as well as support expanding populations, particularly in the Southwestern United States. Increasing the supply of water will more than likely come through desalinization of water reservoirs that are not suitable for present use. Surface-deployed seismic and electromagnetic (EM) methods have the potential for addressing these critical issues within large volumes of an aquifer at a lower cost than drilling and sampling. However, for detailed analysis of the water quality, some sampling utilizing boreholes would be required with geophysical methods being employed to extrapolate these sampled results to non-sampled regions of the aquifer. The research in this report addresses using seismic and EM methods in ...
Integrating technology readiness levels (TRL) into the management of engineering projects is critical to the mitigation of risk and improved customer/supplier communications. TRLs provide a common framework and language with which consistent comparisons of different technologies and approaches can be made. At Sandia National Laboratories, where technologies are developed, integrated and deployed into high consequence systems, the use of TRLs may be transformational. They are technology independent and span the full range of technology development including scientific and applied research, identification of customer requirements, modeling and simulation, identification of environments, testing and integration. With this report, we provide a reference set of definitions for TRLs and a brief history of TRLs at Sandia National Laboratories. We then propose and describe two approaches that may be used to integrate TRLs into the ...
Two-dimensional generalization of the original peak finding algorithm suggested earlier is given. The ideology of the algorithm emerged from the well known quantum mechanical tunneling property which enables small bodies to penetrate through narrow potential barriers. We further merge this ``quantum'' ideology with the philosophy of Particle Swarm Optimization to get the global optimization algorithm which can be called Quantum Swarm Optimization. The functionality of the newborn algorithm is tested on some benchmark optimization problems.
In this paper, we intend to formulate a new metaheuristic algorithm, called Cuckoo Search (CS), for solving optimization problems. This algorithm is based on the obligate brood parasitic behaviour of some cuckoo species in combination with the Levy flight behaviour of some birds and fruit flies. We validate the proposed algorithm against test functions and then compare its performance with those of genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization. Finally, we discuss the implication of the results and suggestion for further research.
This paper presents the results of the Spatial Signature Analysis (SSA) Electrical-test (e-test) validation study that was conducted between February and June, 1998. SSA is an automated procedure developed by researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to address the issue of intelligent data reduction while providing feedback on current manufacturing processes. SSA was initially developed to automate the analysis of optical defect data. Optical defects can form groups, or clusters, which may have a distinct shape. These patterns can reveal information about the manufacturing process. Optical defect SSA uses image processing algorithms and a classifier system to interpret and identify these patterns, or signatures. SSA has been extended to analyze and interpret electrical test data. The algorithms used for optical defect SSA have been adapted and applied to e-test binmaps. An image of the binmap is created, and ...
The seismic reflection exploration technique which is one of the geophysical methods for oil exploration became effectively to image the subsurface structure with rapid development of computer. As a tool to perform seismic inversion, seismic forward modeling program using ray tracing should be developed. In this study, we have developed the algorithm that is to calculate the travel time of the complex geological structure using ray tracing by subdividing the geologic model into triangular element (finite element) having the constant velocity. We can analytically calculate Jacobian with some information by this current ray tracing. With this Jacobian, we will develop new algorithm which is to obtain geological properties and to image the subsurface. After subdividing subsurface into triangular element we shoot off the ray into subsurface by the Snell`s law. And then after taking the ray path which is similar to proper assumption we can calculate ...
In radiotherapy treatment planning, convolution/superposition algorithms currently represent the best practical approach for accurate photon dose calculation in heterogeneous tissues. In this work, the implementation, accuracy and performance of the FFT convolution (FFTC) and multigrid superposition (MGS) algorithms are presented. The FFTC and MGS models use the same 'TERMA' calculation and are commissioned using the same parameters. Both models use the same spectra, incorporate the same off-axis softening and base incident lateral fluence on the same measurements. In addition, corrections are explicitly applied to the polyenergetic and parallel kernel approximations, and electron contamination is modelled. Spectra generated by Monte Carlo (MC) modelling of treatment heads are used. Calculations using the MC spectra were in excellent agreement with measurements for many linear accelerator types. To speed up the ...
In this report, the concept of exergy and the general methodology of the exergetic analysis and the thermoeconomic (combined exergetic and economic) analysis of energy conversion systems are presented. The THESIS (THermodynamic and Economc SImulation System) computer program used for these analyses is briefly described. Detailed mass, energy, exergy and money balances for a reference steam power plant (Harry Allen Station) are shown. The effect of the most important process parameters on the overall efficiency is investigated. A year-by-year and a levelized revenue requirement analysis are presented. The costs of exergy losses are compared with the capital costs and other expenses due to owning and operating each particular plant component. The question whether it is profitable to reduce the exergy losses by increasing these costs and vice versa is investigated. A cost sensitivity analysis including the effect of coal price and average annual capacity factor is performed. The ...
There are several methods for the risk assessment and risk management applied to pipelines, among them the Muhlbauer's Method. W. Kent Muhlbauer is an internationally recognized authority on pipeline risk management. He made a detailed identification about 300 distinct conditions that influence the risk assessment in pipelines and he proposed a score system that is known as method of Muhlbauer. The purpose of this model is to evaluate the public exposure to the risk and identify ways for management that risk in fact. The assessment is made by the attribution of quantitative values to the several items that influences in the pipeline risk. This paper approaches the Muhlbauer's basic model for risk assessment and management in pipelines. In the beginning, the basic model for risk assessment is presented, and methodology for pipelines in onshore environment is detailed. After, presents major items in risk assessment and this ...
This article provides an historical look at how programs and practices for students with emotional or behavior disorders (E/BD) have been evaluated since 1964, leading to a codified, although not universally recognized, set of recommendations for evaluating best practices for students with E/BD set out by The Peacock Hill Working Group (1991). The authors contend that, in addition to the programmatic features of best practice, the addition of the quality indicators and standards for research in special education add a critical dimension for examining the quality of the scientific research of identified best practices. Taken together, these set of recommendations and quality indicators represent the state of the art in program evaluation for best practice and programs for students with E/BD. The goal of this article is to outline the current recommendations and apply them to current behavior intervention practices to identify how well the field is meeting the ...
The {sup 252}Cf-source-driven noise analysis method is a versatile measurements tool that has been applied to measurements for initial loading of reactors, quality assurance of reactor fuel elements, fuel processing facilities, fuel reprocessing facilities, fuel storage facilities, zero-power testing of reactors, verification of calculational methods, process monitoring, characterization of storage vaults, and nuclear weapons identification. This method`s broad range of application is due to the wide variety of time- and frequency domain signatures, each with unique properties, obtained from the measurement. The following parameters are obtained from this measurement: average detector count rates, detector multiplicities, detector autocorrelations, cross-correlation between detectors, detector autopower spectral densities, cross-power spectral densities between detectors, coherences, and ratios of spectral densities. All of these measured ...
This report describes the method of Allan variance and its application to the characterization of a Ring Laser Gyro`s (RLG) performance. Allan variance, a time domain analysis technique, is an accepted IEEE standard for gyro specifications. The method was initially developed by David Allan of the National Bureau of Standards to quantify the error statistics of a Cesium beam frequency standard employed as the US Frequency Standards in 1960`s. The method can, in general, be applied to analyze the error characteristics of any precision measurement instrument. The key attribute of the method is that it allows for a finer, easier characterization and identification of error sources and their contribution to the overall noise statistics. This report presents an overview of the method, explains the relationship between Allan variance and power spectral density distribution of underlying noise sources, describes the batch and recursive implementation ...
This paper describes the activities for improving the Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) quality in the human reliability analysis (HRA) of the pre-accident human errors for the Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plant (KSNP). We evaluate the HRA results of the PSA for the KSNP and identify the items to be improved using the ASME PRA Standard. Evaluation results show that the ratio of items to be improved for pre-accident human errors is relatively high when compared with the ratio of those for post-accident human errors. They also show that more than 50% of the items to be improved for pre-accident human errors are related to the identification and screening analysis for them. In this paper, we develop the modeling guidelines for pre-accident human errors and apply them to the auxiliary feedwater system of the KSNP. Application results show that more than 50% of the items to be improved for the pre-accident human errors of the auxiliary feedwater ...
This paper describes the activities for improving the Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) quality in the human reliability analysis (HRA) of the pre-accident human errors for the Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plant (KSNP). We evaluate the HRA results of the PSA for the KSNP and identify the items to be improved using the ASME PRA Standard. Evaluation results show that the ratio of items to be improved for pre-accident human errors is relatively high when compared with the ratio of those for post-accident human errors. They also show that more than 50% of the items to be improved for pre-accident human errors are related to the identification and screening analysis for them. In this paper, we develop the modeling guidelines for pre-accident human errors and apply them to the auxiliary feedwater system of the KSNP. Application results show that more than 50% of the items to be improved for the pre-accident human errors of the auxiliary feedwater ...
Due to severe drought conditions in Pakistan over the past several years, most of the areas are facing extinction of its potable water reserves and inadequate replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Due to over exploitation, the groundwater flow dynamics is changing and water quality is degrading due to induced infiltration from polluted surface sources. Isotope hydrology is relatively a new discipline having great potential for studying various water-related problems. RIAD, PINSTECH has established analytical facilities for commonly used environmental isotopes and applied to investigate various hydrological problems. This paper briefly describes practical examples on recharge mechanism and dating of groundwater in Lahore and Ziarat areas using isotopes like deuterium (/sup 2/H), Oxygen-18 (/sup 18/O), Tritium (/sup 3/H) and CFCs in water. In Lahore, the areas having different contribution of the river Ravi in groundwater recharge have been marked and on the basis ...
This research focuses on the development and application of high order statistical analyses applied to measurements performed with subcritical fissile systems driven by an introduced neutron source. The signatures presented are derived from counting statistics of the introduced source and radiation detectors that observe the response of the fissile system. It is demonstrated that successively higher order counting statistics possess progressively higher sensitivity to reactivity. Consequently, these signatures are more sensitive to changes in the composition, fissile mass, and configuration of the fissile assembly. Furthermore, it is shown that these techniques are capable of distinguishing the response of the fissile system to the introduced source from its response to any internal or inherent sources. This ability combined with the enhanced sensitivity of higher order signatures indicates that these techniques will be of significant utility in a variety of ...
Both the increased complexity of integrated circuits, resulting in six or more levels of integration, and the increasing use of flip-chip packaging have driven the development of integrated circuit (IC) failure analysis tools that can be applied to the backside of the chip. Among these new approaches are focused ion beam (FIB) tools and processes for performing chip edits/repairs from the die backside. This paper describes the use of backside FIB for a failure analysis application rather than for chip repair. Specifically, they used FIB technology to prepare an IC for inspection of voided metal interconnects (lines) and vias. Conventional FIB milling was combined with a super-enhanced gas assisted milling process that uses XeF{sub 2} for rapid removal of large volumes of bulk silicon. This combined approach allowed removal of the TiW underlayer from a large number of Ml lines simultaneously, enabling rapid localization and plan view imaging of voids in lines and ...
Childhood anxiety is impairing and associated with later emotional disorders. Studying risk factors for child anxiety may allow earlier identification of at-risk children for prevention efforts. This study applied an ecological risk model to address how early childhood anxiety symptoms, child temperament, maternal anxiety and depression symptoms, violence exposure, and sociodemographic risk factors predict school-aged anxiety symptoms. This longitudinal, prospective study was conducted in a representative birth cohort (n = 1109). Structural equation modeling was used to examine hypothesized associations between risk factors measured in toddlerhood/preschool (age = 3.0 years) and anxiety symptoms measured in kindergarten (age = 6.0 years) and second grade (age = 8.0 years). Early child risk factors (anxiety symptoms and temperament) emerged as the most robust predictor for both parent-and child-reported anxiety outcomes and mediated the effects ...
We present faster approximation algorithms for generalized network flow problems. A generalized flow is one in which the flow out of an edge differs from the flow into the edge by a constant factor. We limit ourselves to the lossy case, when these factors are at most 1. Our algorithm uses a standard interior-point algorithm to solve a linear program formulation of the network flow problem. The system of linear equations that arises at each step of the interior-point algorithm takes the form of a symmetric M-matrix. We present an algorithm for solving such systems in nearly linear time. The algorithm relies on the Spielman-Teng nearly linear time algorithm for solving linear systems in diagonally-dominant matrices. For a graph with m edges, our algorithm obtains an additive epsilon approximation of the maximum generalized ...
Pumped storage plants participate in two structurally different markets: the market for scheduled energy (also known as spot market) and the reserve market. In order to achieve the best possible plant scheduling in terms of revenues the marketing of the available capacity from pumped storage plants needs to be optimised in both markets. Moreover, due to the abilities for providing reserve, pumped storage capacities within an existing power plant portfolio can lead to synergies for the whole portfolio. The optimised combined participation of a power plant in both spot and reserve market as well as the coherent portfolio effect are considered as particular challenges in energy economic assessments, e.g. in the light of investment decisions. Based on an extension project and in cooperation with RWTH Aachen University an optimised combined participation of a power plant in both markets was simulated for the first time, thereby applying an integrated optimisation ...
In the case where sources and receivers are not distributed on a 2-D plane, seismic tomography inversion was studied. In tomography experiments, the existing wells are generally used. In such case, sources and receivers are frequently not distributed on a 2-D plane. The 2.5-D analysis method including 2-D structure and 3-D ray-tracing was thus developed. This method is featured by less memory necessary for ray-tracing calculation, and the same algorithm for velocity determination as 2-D analysis method. In previous methods, since analysis is generally carried out by projecting sources and receivers on a certain assumed 2-D plane, it can derive correct results in the case of constant velocity and straight ray, however, in the other case, it derives incorrect results. Application of 3-D tomography requires a large amount of memory, and falls into poor convergence because of various parameters. The 2.5-D analysis method can avoid these demerits. This analysis method ...
A pole placement technique for power system stabilizer (PSS) and thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) based stabilizer using simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is presented in this paper. The proposed approach employs SA optimization technique to PSS (SAPSS) and TCSC-based stabilizer (SACSC) design. The design problem is formulated as an optimization problem where SA is applied to search for the optimal setting of the proposed SAPSS and SACSC parameters. A pole placement-based objective function to shift the dominant eigenvalues to the left in the s-plane is considered. The proposed SAPSS and SACSC have been examined on a weakly connected power system with different disturbances, loading conditions, and system parameter variations. Eigenvalue analysis and nonlinear simulation results show the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed stabilizers and their ability to provide efficient damping of low frequency oscillations. In ...
This paper is focused on solving the narrowband direction of arrival estimation problem from a sparse signal reconstruction perspective. Existing sparsity-based methods have shown advantages over conventional ones but exhibit limitations in practical situations where the true directions are not in the sampling grid. A so-called off-grid model is broached to reduce the modeling error caused by the off-grid directions. An iterative algorithm is proposed in this paper to solve the resulting problem from a Bayesian perspective while joint sparsity among different snapshots is exploited by assuming the same Laplace prior. Like existing sparsity-based methods, the new approach applies to arbitrary sensor array and exhibits increased resolution and improved robustness to noise and source correlation. Moreover, our approach results in more accurate direction of arrival estimation, e.g., smaller bias and lower mean squared error. High precision can be ...
The improvement in the functions of the viscous flow calculation method VEGA-SHIP around a ship and the expansion of application range were described as the numerical flow simulation in ship and ocean engineering and at the same time application examples to the ocean engineering by the general-purpose flow simulation code FLOW-3D handling the non-steady flow with a free surface were introduced as the numerical simulation regarding such products as a water gate and a dam. In the VEGA-SHIP, water surface was handled as a fixed wall so that wave could not be calculated. Therefore, an algorithm for calculating wave on the water surface was added to the VEGA-SHIP and a calculation method simultaneously considering the creation of wave around the ship and viscosity was developed. The FLOW-3D was used to calculate the phenomenon where inside liquid moved greatly due to the oscillation of a tank and hit against and damaged the tank ceiling in the tank, etc. for storing ...
In this paper the problem of developing optimal bidding strategies for the participants of oligopolistic energy markets is studied. Special attention is given to the impacts of suppliers' emission of pollutants on their bidding strategies. The proposed methodology employs supply function equilibrium (SFE) model to represent the strategic behavior of each supplier and locational marginal pricing mechanism for the market clearing. The optimal bidding strategies are developed mathematically using a bilevel optimization problem where the upper-level subproblem maximizes individual supplier payoff and the lower-level subproblem solves the Independent System Operator's market clearing problem. In order to solve market clearing mechanism the multiobjective optimal power flow is used with supplier emission of pollutants, as an extra objective, subject to the supplier physical constraints. This paper uses normal boundary intersection (NBI) approach for generating Pareto ...
This paper describes the development of a computational multiphase fluid dynamics (CMFD) model of the Fischer Tropsch (FT) process in a Slurry Bubble Column Reactor (SBCR). The CMFD model is fundamentally based which allows it to be applied to different industrial processes and reactor geometries. The NPHASE CMFD solver [1] is used as the robust computational platform. Results from the CMFD model include gas distribution, species concentration profiles, and local temperatures within the SBCR. This type of model can provide valuable information for process design, operations and troubleshooting of FT plants. An ensemble-averaged, turbulent, multi-fluid solution algorithm for the multiphase, reacting flow with heat transfer was employed. Mechanistic models applicable to churn turbulent flow have been developed to provide a fundamentally based closure set for the equations. In this four-field model formulation, two of the fields are used to track ...
The demonstration test of a power system stabilizer, employing a fuzzy theory, in the two hydroelectric power stations of Kyusyu Electric Power Co., Inc. is described. The PSS inputs auxiliary signals to the automatic voltage regulator (AVR) of a generator and generates an electric torque in the direction opposite to the operating direction of a generator to enhance the damping effect and improve the system stability. Usually, the change in the slide information of a generator is detected, and the phase adjustment is performed so that the damping is the optimum value. However, since the damping is optimized in the specific system state, no complete damping may be obtained when the system state is changed. A fuzzy theory was thus applied for the control operation part. In a secondary fuzzy PSS, the velocity and acceleration were calculated from the slide information of a generator to produce a control signal. In the third dimension, moreover, the position (integral ...
Metabolic carbon labelling experiments enable a large amount of extracellular fluxes and intracellular carbon isotope enrichments to be measured. Since the relation between the measured quantities and the unknown intracellular metabolic fluxes is given by bilinear balance equations, flux determination from this data set requires the numerical solution of a nonlinear inverse problem. To this end, a general algorithm for flux estimation from metabolic carbon labelling experiments based on the least squares approach is developed in this contribution and complemented by appropriate tools for statistical analysis. The linearization technique usually applied for the computation of nonlinear confidence regions is shown to be inappropriate in the case of large exchange fluxes. For this reason a sophisticated compactification transformation technique for nonlinear statistical analysis is developed. Statistical analysis is then performed by computing ...
Association rule mining aims to explore large transaction databases for association rules. Classical Association Rule Mining (ARM) model assumes that all items have the same significance without taking their weight into account. It also ignores the difference between the transactions and importance of each and every itemsets. But, the Weighted Association Rule Mining (WARM) does not work on databases with only binary attributes. It makes use of the importance of each itemset and transaction. WARM requires each item to be given weight to reflect their importance to the user. The weights may correspond to special promotions on some products, or the profitability of different items. This research work first focused on a weight assignment based on a directed graph where nodes denote items and links represent association rules. A generalized version of HITS is applied to the graph to rank the items, where all nodes and links are allowed to have weights. This research ...
Mobile entities with wireless links are able to form a mobile ad-hoc network. Such an infrastructureless network does not have to be administrated. However, self-organizing principles have to be applied to deal with upcoming problems, e.g. information dissemination. These kinds of problems are not easy to tackle, requiring complex algorithms. Moreover, the usefulness of pure ad-hoc networks is arguably limited. Hence, enthusiasm for mobile ad-hoc networks, which could eliminate the need for any fixed infrastructure, has been damped. The goal is to overcome the limitations of pure ad-hoc networks by augmenting them with instant Internet access, e.g. via integration of UMTS respectively GSM links. However, this raises multiple questions at the technical as well as the organizational level. Motivated by characteristics of small-world networks that describe an efficient network even without central or organized design, this paper proposes to ...
An algorithm for pose and motion estimation using corresponding features in images and a digital terrain map is proposed. Using a Digital Terrain (or Digital Elevation) Map (DTM/DEM) as a global reference enables recovering the absolute position and orientation of the camera. In order to do this, the DTM is used to formulate a constraint between corresponding features in two consecutive frames. The utilization of data is shown to improve the robustness and accuracy of the inertial navigation algorithm. Extended Kalman filter was used to combine results of inertial navigation algorithm and proposed vision-based navigation algorithm. The feasibility of this algorithms is established through numerical simulations.
In this work an analysis of the influence of the choice of the algorithm or planning system, on the calculus of the same treatment plan is introduced. For this purpose specific software has been developed for comparing plans of a series of IMRT cases of prostate and head and neck cancer calculated using the convolution, superposition and fast superposition algorithms implemented in the XiO 4.40 planning system (CMS). It has also been used for the comparison of the same treatment plan for lung pathology calculated in XiO with the mentioned algorithms, and calculated in the Plan 4.1 planning system (Brainlab) using its pencil beam algorithm. Differences in dose among the treatment plans have been quantified using a set of metrics. The recommendation for the dosimetrist of a careful choice of the algorithm has been numerically confirmed. (Author).
Shaping has proven to be a powerful but precarious means of improving reinforcement learning performance. Ng, Harada, and Russell (1999) proposed the potential-based shaping algorithm for adding shaping rewards in a way that guarantees the learner will learn optimal behavior. In this note, we prove certain similarities between this shaping algorithm and the initialization step required for several reinforcement learning algorithms. More specifically, we prove that a reinforcement learner with initial Q-values based on the shaping algorithm's potential function make the same updates throughout learning as a learner receiving potential-based shaping rewards. We further prove that under a broad category of policies, the behavior of these two learners are indistinguishable. The comparison provides intuition on the theoretical properties of the shaping algorithm as well as a suggestion ...
An on-going inter-comparison programme which is focused on assessing and establishing consensus protocols to be applied in the identification, selection and sub-sampling of materials for subsequent "1"4C analysis is described. The outcome of the programme will provide a detailed quantification of the uncertainties associated with "1"4C measurements including the issues of accuracy and precision. Such projects have become recognised as a fundamental aspect of continuing laboratory quality assurance schemes, providing a mechanism for the harmonisation of measurements and for demonstrating the traceability of results. The design of this study and its rationale are described. In summary, a suite of core samples has been defined which will be made available to both AMS and radiometric laboratories. These core materials are representative of routinely dated material and their ages span the full range of the applied "1"4C ...
One of the hallmarks of linear coupling is the resonant exchange of oscillation amplitude between the horizontal and vertical planes when the difference between the unperturbed tunes is close to an integer. The standard derivation of this phenomenon (known as the difference resonance) can be found, for example, in the classic papers of Guignard [1, 2]. One starts with an uncoupled lattice and adds a linear perturbation that couples the two planes. The equations of motion are expressed in hamiltonian form. As the difference between the unperturbed tunes approaches an integer, one finds that the perturbing terms in the hamiltonian can be divided into terms that oscillate slowly and ones that oscillate rapidly. The rapidly oscillating terms are discarded or transformed to higher order with an appropriate canonical transformation. The resulting approximate hamiltonian gives equations of motion that clearly exhibit the exchange of oscillation amplitude between the two planes. If, instead of ...
The generalized demodulation time-frequency analysis is a novel signal processing method, which is particularly suitable for the processing of multi-component amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated (AM-FM) signals as it can decompose a multi-component signal into a set of single-component signals whose instantaneous frequencies own physical meaning. While fault occurs in gear, the vibration signals measured from gearbox would exactly display AM-FM characteristics. Therefore, targeting the modulation feature of gear vibration signal in run-ups and run-downs, a fault diagnosis method in which generalized demodulation time-frequency analysis and envelope order spectrum technique are combined is put forward and applied to the transient analysis of gear vibration signal. Firstly the multi-component vibration signal of gear is decomposed into some mono-component signals using the generalized demodulation time-frequency analysis approach; secondly the envelope ...
The principal mathematical tools frequently available for calculations in Nuclear Engineering, including coupled neutron-gamma radiations shielding problems, involve the full Transport Theory or the Monte Carlo techniques. The Multigroup Albedo Method applied to shieldings is characterized by following the radiations through distinct layers of materials, allowing the determination of the neutron and gamma fractions reflected from, transmitted through and absorbed in the irradiated media when a neutronic stream hits the first layer of material, independently of flux calculations. Then, the method is a complementary tool of great didactic value due to its clarity and simplicity in solving neutron and/or gamma shielding problems. The outstanding results achieved in previous works motivated the elaboration and the development of this study that is presented in this dissertation. The radiation balance resulting from the incidence of a neutronic stream into a shielding ...
The principal mathematical tools frequently available for calculations in Nuclear Engineering, including coupled neutron-gamma radiations shielding problems, involve the full Transport Theory or the Monte Carlo techniques. The Multigroup Albedo Method applied to shieldings is characterized by following the radiations through distinct layers of materials, allowing the determination of the neutron and gamma fractions reflected from, transmitted through and absorbed in the irradiated media when a neutronic stream hits the first layer of material, independently of flux calculations. Then, the method is a complementary tool of great didactic value due to its clarity and simplicity in solving neutron and/or gamma shielding problems. The outstanding results achieved in previous works motivated the elaboration and the development of this study that is presented in this dissertation. The radiation balance resulting from the incidence of a neutronic stream into a shielding ...
Direct identification of group B streptococci from a selective broth medium was performed with the Phadebact streptococcus test to determine the feasibility of this technique for early detection of...Full Text Available
BACKGROUNDAdolescent peer group self-identification refers to adolescents’ affiliation with reputation-based peer groups such as “Goths” or...Full Text Available
Several efforts have been made to completely automate cephalometric analysis by automatic landmark search. However, accuracy obtained was worse than manual identification in every study. The analogue-to-digital...Full Text Available
For identification of genes responsible for varietal differences in flowering time and leaf morphological traits, we constructed a linkage map of Brassica rapa DNA markers including...Full Text Available
... Considering these observations, it is most likely that Brucela proteins involved in protective immunity will preferentially stimulate INF-g producing T ...
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare and to validate different dose calculation algorithms for the use in radiation therapy of small lung lesions and to optimize the treatment...Full Text Available
We propose a decoding algorithm for the $(u\\mid u+v)$-construction that decodes up to half of the minimum distance of the linear code. We extend this algorithm for a class of matrix-product codes in two different ways. In some cases, one can decode beyond the error correction capability of the code.
BackgroundNetwork visualization would serve as a useful first step for analysis. However, current graph layout algorithms for biological pathways are insensitive to biologically...Full Text Available
The cosmic antiparticle ring imaging Cherenkov experiment (CAPRICE) flew on a stratospheric balloon 8-9 August 1994 over northern Canada and collected data for more than 21 hours with less than 5 g/cm{sup 2} of residual atmosphere. The instrument includes a solid radiator RICH detector and an electromagnetic calorimeter for particle identification in the magnetic spectrometer. Preliminary antiproton and positron identification capabilities are presented.
The airborne traffic monitoring system forms a novel technology of detecting vehicle motion. An optical digital camera located on an airborne platform produces a series of images which then are processed to recognized the fixed vehicles. In this way the video data are converted into the time sequence of frames containing the vehicle coordinates. In the present work a three-frame algorithm is developed to identify the succeeding vehicle positions. It is based on finding the neighboring points in the frame sequence characterized by minimal acceleration. To verify and optimize the developed algorithm a ``Virtual Road'' simulator was created. Finally available empirical data are analyzed using the created algorithm.
The whole computer hardware industry embraced multicores. For these machines, the extreme optimisation of sequential algorithms is no longer sufficient to squeeze the real machine power, which can be only exploited via thread-level parallelism. Decision tree algorithms exhibit natural concurrency that makes them suitable to be parallelised. This paper presents an approach for easy-yet-efficient porting of an implementation of the C4.5 algorithm on multicores. The parallel porting requires minimal changes to the original sequential code, and it is able to exploit up to 7X speedup on an Intel dual-quad core machine.
The algorithmic, or consistent, tangent stiffness was introduced to improve the asymptotic convergence rate of the iterative correction algorithm for the evolutive analysis of elastoplastic structures. The original approach is based on a formulation of the elastoplastic law in terms of a plastic multiplier with an analysis which, in general, requires an operator inversion. A geometric description of the method, based on hypersurface theory, is proposed here to provide a clear picture of the algorithmic properties. An estimate of the tangent stiffness associated with finite step elastoplastic and elastoviscoplastic constitutive models is given. It is based on the properties of the projection operator on the elastic domain and avoids operator inversions retaining the beneficial properties of...
Full text: The principal nuclear design tools available to the shielding designer include diffusion approximation, transport theory, and Monte Carlo techniques. Full transport theory or Monte Carlo methods are routinely used for shielding analyses, where penetration investigations are more sensitive to directional aspects. However, the aim of this paper is to illustrate the coupled neutron-gamma Albedo method particularly as applied to problems of shielding analysis. The multigroup Albedo method is applied to coupled neutron-gamma radiations considering 'n' neutron energy groups and 'g' gamma energy groups to estimate the probabilities of transmission through, absorption in, and reflection from shieldings composed by multiple material layers, 'm' slabs, in which no fission occurs. In this study, these energy groups were selected in order to minimize upscattering effects of the radiation from lower energy groups to higher energy groups. However, ...
In this paper, a new design methodology for determining the size, location, type and number of capacitors to be placed on a radial distribution system is presented. The objective is to minimize the peak power losses and the energy losses in the distribution system considering the capacitor cost. A sensitivity analysis based method is used to select the candidate locations for the capacitors. A new optimization method using a Genetic Algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal selection of capacitors. Test results have been presented along with the discussion of the algorithm.
An automatic data-smoothing algorithm for data from digital oscilloscopes is described. The algorithm adjusts the bandwidth of the filtering as a function of time to provide minimum mean squared error at each time. It produces an estimate of the root-mean-square error as a function of time and does so without any statistical assumptions about the unknown signal. The algorithm is based on least-squares fitting to the data of cubic spline functions.
The classical stochastic approximation methods are shown to yield algorithms to solve several formulations of the PAC learning problem defined on the domain [o,1]{sup d}. Under some assumptions on different ability of the probability measure functions, simple algorithms to solve some PAC learning problems are proposed based on networks of non-polynomial units (e.g. artificial neural networks). Conditions on the sizes of these samples required to ensure the error bounds are derived using martingale inequalities.
A heuristic algorithm that employs fuzzy logic is proposed to the power system transmission expansion planning problem. The algorithm is based on the divide to conquer strategy, which is controlled by the fuzzy system. The algorithm provides high quality solutions with the use of fuzzy decision making, which is based on nondeterministic criteria to guide the search. The fuzzy system provides a self-adjusting mechanism that eliminates the manual adjustment of parameters to each system being solved. (author)
... 1 (2008) Algorithms - Open Access Journal Algorithms (ISSN 1999-4893; CODEN: ALGOCH), an open access journal of computer science, theory, methods and interdisciplinary applications, data and information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence, automation and control systems, is published online quarterly by MDPI. - free for readers, with low publishing fees paid by authors or their institutions High visibility: indexed in leading indexing and abstracting databases....
This article presents an unsupervised algorithm for semantic annotation of morphological descriptions of whole organisms. The algorithm is able to annotate plain text descriptions with high accuracy at the clause level by exploiting the corpus itself. In other words, the algorithm does not need lexicons, syntactic parsers, training examples, or annotation templates. The evaluation on two real-life description collections in botany and paleontology shows that the algorithm has the following desirable features: (a) reduces/eliminates manual labor required to compile dictionaries and prepare source documents; (b) improves annotation coverage: the algorithm annotates what appears in documents and is not limited by predefined and often incomplete templates; (c) learns clean and reusable concept...
We propose a new algorithm for two-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) inversion. Our algorithm is an MT inversion based on the steepest descent method, borrowed from the backpropagation technique of seismic inversion or reverse time migration, introduced in the middle 1980s by Lailly and Tarantola. The steepest descent direction can be calculated efficiently by using the symmetry of numerical Green's function derived from a mixed finite element method proposed by Nedelec for Maxwell's equation, without calculating the Jacobian matrix explicitly. We construct three different objective functions by taking the logarithm of the complex apparent resistivity as introduced in the recent waveform inversion algorithm by Shin and Min. These objective functions can be naturally separated into amplitude inversion, phase inversion and simultaneous inversion. We demonstrate our algorithm by showing ...
Two classes of convergent algorithms for learning continuous functions (and also regression functions) that are represented by feedforward networks, are discussed. The first class of algorithms, applicable to networks with unknown weights located only in the output layer, is obtained by utilizing the potential function methods of Aizerman et al. The second class, applicable to general feedforward networks, is obtained by utilizing the classical Robbins-Monro style stochastic approximation methods. Conditions relating the sample sizes to the error bounds are derived for both classes of algorithms using martingale-type inequalities. For concreteness, the discussion is presented in terms of neural networks, but the results are applicable to general feedforward networks, in particular to wavelet networks. The algorithms can be directly adapted to concept learning problems.
In this paper, molecular quantum computation is numerically studied with the quantum search algorithm (Grover's algorithm) by means of optimal control simulation. Qubits are implemented in the vibronic states of I_2, while gate operations are realized by optimally designed laser pulses. The methodological aspects of the simulation are discussed in detail. We show that the algorithm for solving a gate pulse-design problem has the same mathematical form as a state-to-state control problem in the density matrix formalism, which provides monotonically convergent algorithms as an alternative to the Krotov method. The sequential irradiation of separately designed gate pulses leads to the population distribution predicted by Grover's algorithm. The computational accuracy is reduced by the imperfect quality of the pulse design and by the electronic decoherence processes that are modeled by ...
This case study, conducted from an interpretive paradigm, illuminates contextual factors related to the tutor experience when senior undergraduate dental hygiene students served as tutors for beginning undergraduate dental hygiene students, or sophomores, in a 1-semester, 2-hour long problem-based learning (PBL) course in a Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene (BDH) curriculum during the spring semester of 2008. Data were collected using various sources and methods. Six tutors and three administrators were interviewed, tutees completed an anonymous questionnaire, the tutorial process and tutor training sessions were observed, and related documents were examined. Data analysis included open and axial coding, creation of tutor profiles, and identification of patterns. Tutor behaviors varied with respect to the nature of intervention (e.g., telling, asking, clarifying, acknowledging), emphasis (process, content, social), and facilitation style (directive, suggestive, ...
In the discussion of environmental architecture, we are conjoining two disciplines, the subject of architecture and that of ecology. At their best, green buildings are examples of applied ecology, where designers understand the constitution, organization, and structure of ecosystems, and the impacts of architecture are considered from an environmental perspective. By utilizing the concepts, methods, and language of ecology, designers can create architecture that intentionally engages the natural systems of a site. The establishment of assessment criteria implies the definition of building design criteria. If we establish criteria that are based on our best scientific understanding of environmental capacity, we will begin to develop a building stock that is sustainable. To do this we must quantify the link between the resulting environmental impacts and their cause in building production and use. This is not done in traditional building environmental impact ...
This paper surveys the publications available in the literature concerning the application of the second-law of thermodynamics to internal combustion engines. The availability (exergy) balance equations of the engine cylinder and subsystems are reviewed in detail providing also relations concerning the definition of state properties, chemical availability, flow and fuel availability, and dead state. Special attention is given to identification and quantification of second-law efficiencies and the irreversibilities of various processes and subsystems. The latter being particularly important since they are not identified in traditional first-law analysis. In identifying these processes and subsystems, the main differences between second- and first-law analyses are also highlighted. A detailed reference is made to the findings of various researchers in the field over the last 40 years concerning all types of internal combustion engines, i.e. spark ignition, ...
During earlier work rapid and highly sensitive Jet-REMPI (resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization) mass spectrometry was applied for monitoring the effluent from thermal treatment of a filter dust during a de novo test under laboratory conditions. The sample, from ESP-Field 2 of an iron ore sintering plant, was already loaded with dioxins ({sigma}PCDD/F = 132 ng/g), their precursors (PCBz, PCPh) and other products of incomplete combustion. Heating filter dust in a temperature window 200-350 C under a flow of air results in further formation of these pollutants. As described elsewhere, on-line detection was mostly carried out using a non-selective ionization mode, to measure a wide range of compounds simultaneously. The changes of output suggest that the reaction products increase in chlorination level with time. Another explanation is that higherchlorinated compounds appear later as a consequence of lower volatility and stronger adsorption. However, due to mass ...
Full text: A novel protocol based on electrospray ionization (ESI) multiple stage high capacity ion trap (HCT) mass spectrometry (MS) was developed for glycosphingolipidomic surveys. The method was optimized for detailed structural elucidation of human brain gangliosides and particularly applied to human hippocampus-associated structures. The multiple stage MS experiments allowed for a complete structural characterization of GM1 ganglioside species, which was achieved by elucidation of the oligosaccharide sequence, identification of the GM1 a structural isomer from the data upon sialic acid localization along the sugar backbone and determination of the d18:1/18:0 of fatty acid/sphingoid base composition of the ceramide moiety. The methodology developed here is of general practical applicability for glycolipids and represents a step forward in the implementation of the advanced and most modern MS methods in glycomics. Gangliosides are ...
This paper deals with the efficient simulation of the dynamical behaviour of molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). MCFCs allow an efficient and environmentally friendly energy production via electrochemical reactions. Their dynamics can be described by large scale systems of up to currently 22 nonlinear partial differential algebraic equations (PDAE). The paper also serves as a basis for later parameter identification and optimal control purposes. Therefore, the numerical simulations are particularly based on hierarchically embedded systems of PDAE, first of all in one space dimension. The PDAE are of mixed parabolic-hyperbolic type and are completed by nonlinear initial and boundary conditions of mixed type. For a series of embedded models in one space dimension, the vertical method of lines (MOL) is used throughout this paper. For the semi-discretization in space appropriate difference schemes are applied depending on the type of equations. ...
The Energy Conversion and Storage Program applies chemistry and materials science principles to solve problems in (1) production of new synthetic fuels, (2) development of high-performance rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, (3) development of advanced thermochemical processes for energy conversion, (4) characterization of complex chemical processes, and (5) application of novel materials for energy conversion and transmission. Projects focus on transport-process principles, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, separation processes, organic and physical chemistry, novel materials, and advanced methods of analysis. Electrochemistry research aims to develop advanced power systems for electric vehicle and stationary energy storage applications. Topics include identification of new electrochemical couples for advanced rechargeable batteries, improvements in battery and fuel-cell materials, and the establishment of engineering principles applicable ...
The Energy Conversion and Storage Program applies chemistry and materials science principles to solve problems in (1) production of new synthetic fuels, (2) development of high-performance rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, (3) development of advanced thermochemical processes for energy conversion, (4) characterization of complex chemical processes, and (5) application of novel materials for energy conversion and transmission. Projects focus on transport-process principles, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, separation processes, organic and physical chemistry, novel materials, and advanced methods of analysis. Electrochemistry research aims to develop advanced power systems for electric vehicle and stationary energy storage applications. Topics include identification of new electrochemical couples for advanced rechargeable batteries, improvements in battery and fuel-cell materials, and the establishment of engineering principles applicable ...
In order to practice design-by-analysis of thermohydraulics design of BWR fuel rod bundles, the subchannel analysis would play a major role. There, one of the immediate concerns is improvement in its predictive capability of boiling transition phenomena on the fuel rod surface. This capability strongly depends on the modeling of thermohydraulics phenomena of interests: 1) vapor-liquid redistribution by inter-subchannel exchanges due to the diversion cross flow, turbulent mixing and void drift, 2) liquid film behaviors, 3) transition of two-phase flow regimes, 4) droplet entrainment and deposition and 5) spacer-droplet interactions. These are considered to be five key factors in understanding the BT in BWR fuel rod bundles. This paper describes a progress and current status in the second year of the three year project on developing generalized boiling transition models with the above five key factors being focused on. A combined approach of experiment and computation is described in ...
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy was selected by NASA as part of the ChemCam instrument package for the Mars Science Laboratory rover to be launched in 2009. ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument will ablate surface coatings from materials and measure the elemental composition of underlying rocks and soils at distances from 1 up to 10 m. The purpose of our studies is to develop an analytical methodology enabling identification and quantitative analysis of these geological materials in the context of the ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument performance. The study presented here focuses on several terrestrial rock samples which were analyzed by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy at an intermediate stand-off distance (3 m) and in an atmosphere similar to the Martian one (9 mbar CO{sub 2}). The experimental results highlight the matrix effects and the measurement inaccuracies due to the noise accumulated ...
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy was selected by NASA as part of the ChemCam instrument package for the Mars Science Laboratory rover to be launched in 2009. ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument will ablate surface coatings from materials and measure the elemental composition of underlying rocks and soils at distances from 1 up to 10 m. The purpose of our studies is to develop an analytical methodology enabling identification and quantitative analysis of these geological materials in the context of the ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument performance. The study presented here focuses on several terrestrial rock samples which were analyzed by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy at an intermediate stand-off distance (3 m) and in an atmosphere similar to the Martian one (9 mbar CO2). The experimental results highlight the matrix effects and the measurement inaccuracies due to the noise accumulated when low signals are ...
Objective: To apply the obtained results from 3 stages of research in Chinese radiation protection field. Methods: Based on the identification of physical, chemical and biological qualities for element and its radionuclides under equilibrium condition, main application of these results in Chinese radiation protection field have been discussed by using reported methods in literature. Results: Based on developing elemental reference values of organs or tissues, whole body burdens and their distribution for Chinese Reference Man, discussed in the above 3 articles, current dietary elemental intakes of 42 elements have been updated, and related basis for certain important parameters of bio-kinetic model for use in radiation protection (for example, f_l, T_e and T_b) have been provided. The internal doses from primordial radionuclides and transfer coefficients of elements from environment into the critical organs of Chinese adult men have been ...
Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) is a very important part of Probabilistic Risk Analysis (PRA), and constant work is dedicated to improving methods, guidance and data in order to approach realism in the results as well as looking for ways to use these to reduce accident frequency at plants. Further, in order to advance in these areas, several HRA studies are being performed globally. Mexico has participated in the International HRA Empirical study with the objective of -benchmarking- HRA methods by comparing HRA predictions to actual crew performance in a simulator, as well as in the empirical study on a US nuclear power plant currently in progress. The focus of the first study was the development of an understanding of how methods are applied by various analysts, and characterize the methods for their capability to guide the analysts to identify potential human failures, and associated causes and performance shaping factors. The HRA benchmarking study has been ...
Full text: Full text: The incomplete understanding of the complex mechanisms connected with the interaction between thermal-hydraulic and neutron kinetics still challenges the design and the operation of nuclear reactors and imposes the adoption of conservatism in the evaluation of safety limits. The recent availability of powerful computer and computational techniques together with the continuing increase in operational experience suggests the revisiting of those areas and the identification of design/operation requirements that can be relaxed. So far, almost all of the safety analyses of research reactors have been performed using conservative computational tools such as channel codes but, nowadays, the application of Best-Estimate (BE) methods constitutes a real necessity. The global aim of the current work is an attempt to apply the best-estimate system thermal-hydraulic code Relap5. For this purpose, the generic IAEA research reactor ...
The use and application of remote sensing data for monitoring the environmental impacts of open cast lignite mining in Eastern Germany is described. This investigation is based on the digital analysis of several Landsat-TM and ERS-1 data sets acquired from 1989 to 1994. The characteristics of the imagery enable quantitative analysis of different open cast mine features, such as waste, water bodies, change of land use, reclamation processes and estimation of vegetation cover in the affected areas. On the basis of the Maximum Likelihood Classification of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data the open cast mining areas were separated into bare open cast areas and areas of less and dense vegetation. The bare open cast areas were classified with respect to type of different sediments and the vegetation was seperated into different classes according to the age of the vegetation and the density cover. Apart from these, water bodies within the mining areas were classified into different spectral ...
What will be discussed in this report represents a framework upon which multiphase and other real physical effects can be built. Chemical models of increasing complexity are envisioned and this methodology can provide a tool for evaluating new ideas against known experimental data. The recent work to be reported here addresses the multiphase issue of temperature deviation between phases undergoing chemical and heat transport processes. Modeling of the LLNL ODTX experiment will be performed with FLUENT, a commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. FLUENT solves flows in 2D or 3D in Cartesian, cylindrical, or general curvilinear coordinates, with steady-state of fully time-dependent analysis. Multiphase flows in which two or more continuous phases are present can be solved with arbitrary volumetric sources of heat, mass, momentum, and chemical species applied through user-defined FORTRAN subroutines. FLUENT models these of phenomena by solving ...
A ZephIR prototype wind lidar manufactured by QinetiQ was mounted on the nacelle of a Vestas V27 wind turbine and measurements of the incoming wind flow towards the rotor of the wind turbine were acquired for approximately 3 months (April - June 2009). The objective of this experiment was the investigation of the turbulence attenuation induced in the lidar measurements. In this report are presented results from data analysis over a 21-hour period (2009-05-05 12:00 - 2009-05-06 09:00). During this period the wind turbine was not operating and the line-of-sight of the lidar was aligned with the wind direction. The analysis included a correlation study between the ZephIR lidar and a METEK sonic anemometer. The correlation analysis was performed using both 10 minutes and 10 Hz wind speed values. The spectral transfer function which describes the turbulence attenuation, which is induced in the lidar measurements, was estimated by means of spectral analysis. An attempt to increase the ...
In order to achieve micro-wound, intelligence and high efficiency for fracture setting, intelligent setting system for fracture is proposed in accordance with biomechanics and fracture therapy theory. In the comprehensive medical system based on C-shape-arm X-machine, image processing and analysis is the core, programmable logical controller and stepping motor are important driving parts controlling mechanical parts. Six degree of freedom dynamics sensor ensures to control accurately force and moment. On the foundation of analyzing X-ray image peculiarities, method of processing and analysis is put forward, combining time domain with frequency domain. After mining domain knowledge in depth, setting actions is quantized into three non-continuous steps and is parameterized into two angles and one distance aiming at femoral-neck fracture. Objective features are extracted by virtue of three power polymerization curved surface fitting. Master-slave reference frame is advanced to solve a ...
The process of implementing a damage detection strategy for aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering infrastructure is referred to as structural health monitoring (SHM). Here damage is defined as changes to the material and/or geometric properties of these systems, including changes to the boundary conditions and system connectivity, which adversely affect the system's current or future performance. Our approach is to address the SHM problem in the context of a statistical pattern recognition paradigm (Farrar, Nix and Doebling, 2001). In this paradigm, the process can be broken down into four parts: (1) Operational Evaluation, (2) Data Acquisition, (3) Feature Extraction, and (4) Statistical Model Development for Feature Discrimination. When one attempts to apply this paradigm to data from 'real-world' structures, it quickly becomes apparent that data cleansing, normalization, fusion and compression, which can be implemented with ...
This report aims at presenting a view upon uncertainty analysis of phenomenological models with an emphasis on the identification and documentation of various types of uncertainties and assumptions in the modelling of the phenomena. In an uncertainty analysis, it is essential to include and document all unclear issues, in order to obtain a maximal coverage of unresolved issues. This holds independently on their nature or type of the issues. The classification of uncertainties is needed in the decomposition of the problem and it helps in the identification of means for uncertainty reduction. Further, an enhanced documentation serves to evaluate the applicability of the results to various risk-informed applications. (au)
Supplementing the collection of artificial neural network methodologies devised for monitoring energy producing installations, a general regression artificial neural network is proposed for the identification of the two-phase flow that occurs in the coolant channels of boiling water reactors. The utilization of a limited number of image features derived from radiography images affords the proposed approach with efficiency and non-invasiveness. Additionally, the application of counter-clustering to the input patterns prior to training accomplishes an 80% reduction in network size as well as in training and test time. Cross-validation tests confirm accurate on-line flow regime identification.
Supplementing the collection of artificial neural network methodologies devised for monitoring energy producing installations, a general regression artificial neural network is proposed for the identification of the two-phase flow that occurs in the coolant channels of boiling water reactors. The utilization of a limited number of image features derived from radiography images affords the proposed approach with efficiency and non-invasiveness. Additionally, the application of counter-clustering to the input patterns prior to training accomplishes an 80% reduction in network size as well as in training and test time. Cross-validation tests confirm accurate on-line flow regime identification.
It is well known that for ergodic channel processes the Generalized Max-Weight Matching (GMWM) scheduling policy stabilizes the network for any supportable arrival rate vector within the network capacity region. This policy, however, often requires the solution of an NP-hard optimization problem. This has motivated many researchers to develop sub-optimal algorithms that approximate the GMWM policy in selecting schedule vectors. One implicit assumption commonly shared in this context is that during the algorithm runtime, the channel states remain effectively unchanged. This assumption may not hold as the time needed to select near-optimal schedule vectors usually increases quickly with the network size. In this paper, we incorporate channel variations and the time-efficiency of sub-optimal algorithms into the scheduler design, to dynamically tune the algorithm runtime considering the tradeoff between ...
We compare the predictions of four different algorithms for the distribution of ionized gas during the Epoch of Reionization. These algorithms are all used to run a 100 Mpc/h simulation of reionization with the same initial conditions. Two of the algorithms are state-of-the-art ray-tracing radiative transfer codes that use disparate methods to calculate the ionization history. The other two algorithms are fast but more approximate schemes based on iterative application of a smoothing filter to the underlying source and density fields. We compare these algorithms' resulting ionization and 21 cm fields using several different statistical measures. The two radiative transfer schemes are in excellent agreement with each other (with the cross-correlation coefficient of the ionization fields >0.8 for k 0.6 for k < 1 h/Mpc). When used to predict the 21cm power spectrum at different ...
We report the identification and characterization of a new Drosophila clock-regulated gene, takeout (to). to is a member of a novel...Full Text Available
The identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for the timely administration of treatment approaches aimed at slowing the onset or progression of the disease....Full Text Available
There is considerable evidence to suggest that the identification and treatment of dyslipidaemia will reduce the risk of premature CHD, i.e. before the age of 65. Diagnosis of the cause of raised plasma...Full Text Available
Impedance Noise Identification is an in-situ method of measuring battery impedance as a function of frequency using a random small signal noise excitation source. Through a series of auto- and cross-correlations and Fast Fourier Transforms, the battery complex impedance as a function of frequency can be determined. The results are similar to those measured under a lab-scale electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement. The lab-scale measurements have been shown to correlate well with resistance and power data that are typically used to ascertain the remaining life of a battery. To this end, the Impedance Noise Identification system is designed to acquire the same type of data as an on-board tool. A prototype system is now under development, and results are being compared to standardized measurement techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A brief description of the Impedance Noise Identification ...
Pork identification in four types of food products, which are sausages and the casings, bread and biscuits, using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of a conserved region in the mitochondrial (mt) 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was developed. Genomic DNA of the food products were successfully extracted except for the casing samples, where no genomic DNA was detected. The extracted genomic DNA was then subjected to PCR amplification targeting the specific regions of the 12S rRNA gene. The genomic DNA from the food products were found to be of good quality and produced clear PCR products on the amplification of 12S rRNA gene of 387 base pairs (bp) from pork species. The species-specific PCR identification yielded excellent results for identification of pork derivatives...
... a given ternary molten salt system under conditions which are greatly " different than the normal method of potentiometric titration, that is, high ...
Contractile vacuole complexes are critical components of cell volume regulation and have been shown to have other functional roles in several free-living protists....Full Text Available
ground strike hazards 3) Advancements in the initialization of numerical weather prediction models through better identification of deep convection 4) Improved routing of...
The management of risks of explosives are described. Administrative and procedural controls are considered. The safety management plan involves hazard identification, risk analysis, assessment and control. The current position of explosives safety is considered. 4 tabs.
Advances in modern neuroscience require the identification of principles that connect different levels of experimental analysis, from molecular mechanisms to explanations of cellular functions,...Full Text Available
The CKK-70 400/200 NN telephone exchange in the Nowa Ruda mine in Lower Silesia was used with the JAUL-CAMAC linear subscriber system. The CKK-70 telephone exchanges were supplied without a system for identification of calling subscribers at the ground surface. A modified identification system developed by the Nowa Ruda mine for identifying calling subscribers is evaluated. Its design is shown in 2 schemes and operation is discussed. The identification system was tested over 6 years. Tests showed it to be reliable and uncomplicated. The modified system for identification of calling subscribers adapted for conditions of underground coal mines has been tested in other mines (1 Maj, Piast, Knurow and Staszic). Recommendations for use of the modified system are made.
Ether extracts of cultures of 29 strains representing 6 species of Bacillus, and of individual strains of Escherichia coli, Aerobacter aerogenes, and Pseudomonas...Full Text Available
The main aim of DNA barcoding is to establish a shared community resource of DNA sequences that can be used for organismal identification and taxonomic clarification. This approach was successfully...Full Text Available
BackgroundFunction exertion of specific proteins are key factors in disease progression, thus the systematical identification of those specific proteins is a prerequisite to understand...Full Text Available
A method and apparatus for determining the condition of tissue or otherwise making chemical identifications includes exposing the sample to a light source, and using a synchronous luminescence system to produce a spectrum that can be analyzed for tissue condition.
Chemically reactive compounds in tissues can be monitored through their products of reaction with biomacromolecules. For the purpose of in vivo dose monitoring, hemoglobin (Hb) has been preferred to...Full Text Available
System identification refers to estimation of process parameters and is a necessity in control theory. Physical systems usually have varying parameters. For such processes, accurate identification is particularly important. Online identification schemes are also needed for designing adaptive controllers. Real processes are usually of fractional order as opposed to the ideal integral order models. In this paper, we propose a simple and elegant scheme of estimating the parameters for such a fractional order process. A population of process models is generated and updated by particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, the fitness function being the sum of squared deviations from the actual set of observations. Results show that the proposed scheme offers a high degree of accuracy even when the observations are corrupted to a significant degree. Additional schemes to improve the accuracy still further are also proposed and ...
Considering the hardware characteristics of the laser-induced plasma X-ray source and the limitations of the conventional cone-beam reconstruction algorithm, a general cone-beam reconstruction algorithm has been developed at our laboratory, in which the motion locus of the X-ray source is an arbitrary curve corresponding to at least a 2{pi} continuous horizontal angular displacement in the coordinate system of the specimen. The preliminary simulation shows that the general cone-beam reconstruction algorithm consistently results in visually satisfactory images.
Considering the hardware characteristics of the laser-induced plasma X-ray source and the limitations of the conventional cone-beam reconstruction algorithm, a general cone-beam reconstruction algorithm has been developed at our laboratory, in which the motion locus of the X-ray source is an arbitrary curve corresponding to at least a 2{pi} continuous horizontal angular displacement in the coordinate system of the specimen. The preliminary simulation shows that the general cone-beam reconstruction algorithm consistently results in visually satisfactory images.
A pre-stack migration algorithm for elastic waves in two-dimensional variable-velocity media is developed, implemented, and tested. The algorithm operates in the time-space domain and is based on reverse-time finite-difference extrapolation of elastic waves. The algorithm is explained and demonstrated in the context of imaging of elastic vertical seismic profile data, but is applicable to any source-recorder geometry. Synthetic test examples include a point diffractor, laterally homogeneous layers, and the flank of a salt dome.
This paper describes detection of electro-discharged machine (EDM) defects in magnetic steam generator (SG) tubes of Monju fast breeder reactor (FBR). The EDM defects are located under support plate (SP), on the outer tube surface and they are detected by a remote field eddy current probe. Using the experimental measurements and a multi frequency algorithm, the defect signal can be extracted from the SP signal. The parameters of the multi-frequency algorithm were calculated by comparing SP measurements with two-dimensional finite element simulations (FEM). (author)
This paper considers location?allocation problem in the real uncertain world and develops a possibilistic non-linear programming model to deal with this problem. Fuzzy decision making in fuzzy environment concept is used to determine possibility distribution of location and allocation variables. To solve this model, a novel approach based on genetic algorithm structure is developed. As the proposed model includes both deterministic (location) and uncertain (allocation) parameters, the developed solution algorithm uses a hybrid chromosome structure. Also, to cover continuous nature of the problem and prevent GA from early convergence, a new crossover operator is introduced. Finally, performance of the developed algorithm is evaluated by an example.
The mutual inductance between parallel transmission lines influences the locating of the transmission line faults. A fault location algorithm for parallel lines developed in this paper takes into account the magnetic coupling between parallel lines. The paper presents a detailed description of the developed algorithm and test results performed on a simplified real transmission line. The obtained error is less than 0.5 percent in most cases. Also, the developed algorithm is not sensitive to typical fault parameters, such as: resistance, type, location, and incidence angle. 7 refs, 4 figs, 12 tabs
A fast production scheduling algorithm suitable for generation expansion studies is described in this paper. It can handle several independent rivers, thermal plants, pumped storage plants, import, export, and internal non-firm markets. Inflows and load are deterministic and a one-reservoir limit is imposed on each river. The scheduling problem is formulated as a generalized network problem which is efficiently solved by an adaption of the simplex method. The algorithm is part of a program developed by Hydro-Quebec to conduct preliminary evaluations of alternative expansion plans. The program and the scheduling algorithm are presented.
A fast production scheduling algorithm suitable for generation expansion studies is described in this paper. It can handle several independent rivers, thermal plants, pumped storage plants, import, export, and internal non-firm markets. Inflows and load are deterministic and a one-reservoir limit is imposed on each river. The scheduling problem is formulated as a generalized network problem which is efficiently solved by an adaption of the simplex method. The algorithm is part of a program developed by Hydro-Quebec to conduct preliminary evaluations of alternative expansion plans. The program and the scheduling algorithm are presented.
The goal of this program was to increase the high-temperature strength of the H-Series of cast austenitic stainless steels by 50% and upper use temperature by 86 to 140 F (30 to 60 C). Meeting this goal is expected to result in energy savings of 38 trillion Btu/year by 2020 and energy cost savings of $185 million/year. The higher strength H-Series of cast stainless steels (HK and HP type) have applications for the production of ethylene in the chemical industry, for radiant burner tubes and transfer rolls for secondary processing of steel in the steel industry, and for many applications in the heat-treating industry. The project was led by Duraloy Technologies, Inc. with research participation by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and industrial participation by a diverse group of companies. Energy Industries of Ohio (EIO) was also a partner in this project. Each team partner had well-defined roles. Duraloy Technologies led the team by identifying the base alloys that were to be ...
Mar 1, 2011... Science Research; Atmospheric Correction Prototype Algorithm for High ... spaceborne (Hyperion) and airborne (AVIRIS) hyperspectral data. ...
Abstract Questions: How important is the choice of flow routing algorithm with respect to application of topographic wetness index (TWI) in vegetation ecology? Which flow routing algorithms are preferable for application in vegetation ecology? Location: Forests in three different regions of the Czech Republic. Methods: We used vegetation data from 521 georeferenced plots, recently sampled in a wide range of forest communities. From a digital elevation model, we calculated 11 variations of TWI for each plot with 11 different flow routing algorithms. We evaluated the performance of differently calculated TWI by (1) Spearman rank correlation with average Ellenberg indicator values for soil moisture, (2) Mantel correlation coefficient between dissimilarities of species composition and dissimil...
The results of this research centered on the experimental studies of a single superconducting persistent current qubit, the implementation of type-II algorithms using these qubits, and the proposal for adiabatic quantum computing using these qubits. The m...
The application of multi-objective genetic algorithms for green building design in two phases were presented in order to better help designers in the decision-making process. The purpose is to minimize two conflicting criteria: the life-cycle cost and the life-cycle environmental impact. Environmental impact criteria examined include energy and non-energy natural resources, global warming, and acidification. Variables focus on building envelope-related parameters. The application of multi-objective genetic algorithms is divided into two phases. The first phase intends to help designers in understanding the trade-off relationship between the two conflicting criteria. The second phase intends to refine the performance region that is of the designer's interest. The results after the two-phase application of the multi objective genetic algorithm were then presented. 13 refs., 4 tabs., 3 figs.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in accuracy of dose calculation between 3 commonly used algorithms, the Pencil Beam algorithm (PB), the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA), and the Collapsed Cone Convolution Superposition (CCCS) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The 2D dose distributions obtained with the 3 algorithms were compared on each CT slice pixel by pixel, using the MATLAB code (The MathWorks, Natick, MA) and the agreement was assessed with the gamma function. The effect of the differences on dose-volume histograms (DVHs), tumor control, and normal tissue complication probability (TCP and NTCP) were also evaluated, and its significance was quantified by using a nonparametric test. In general PB generates regions of over-dosage both in the l...
The potentials of the spherical sensor and nearby conductors are controlled by ... Incoming data are continuously monitored by algorithms in the software to ... launched together with FM5 (Rumba) by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from Baikonur. ...
The general goals of this research effort is to explore the potential applications and performance of fine grained computer architectures for vision. The body of this report gives a brief overview of the results of the research during the first twelve mon...
An almost linear optimization problem of importance in vibration isolation has been identified and algorithms were developed to minimize the forced vibrational response of structural systems. The constraints can be either displacements of accelerations. T...
Nov 12, 2010 ... The adaptive, nonparametric matched filter algorithm suggested by Kay ... For the point design of a 4 sigma single event SNR the combined NR ...
Over the past decade, dramatic increases in computational power and improvement in image analysis algorithms have allowed the development of powerful computer-assisted analytical approaches...Full Text Available
THE GFS WILL BE THAT THE DEFAULT PRECIPITATION TYPE ALGORITHM WILL CHANGE FROM THE BALDWIN METHOD TO THE DOMINANT PRECIPITATION TYPE. THE DOMINANT PRECIPITATION TYPE IS...
A major deficiency of current photon calculation methods that are based on the concept of primary and scatter separation is their inability to handle the condition of electronic disequilibrium. This deficiency is examined and it is shown that the limitation is not inherent in the algorithms themselves but is, at least in part, in the data which the algorithms use. A new concept of primary and scatter separation is developed to cover the condition of electronic disequilibrium. This new concept requires little change to the existing algorithms and only additional data are required, which are generated using Monte Carlo calculation methods. The new concept is tested using programs in the Theratronics Theraplan treatment-planning system, and two calculation examples illustrate the ability to model electron transport and also the improvement over the existing algorithms. Close analogy of the extended concept ...
... coordinates to allow for multisensor fusion, trajectory ... of an image processing toolkit (iPTK ... effectiveness of data-driven registration processing, spatial ...
... of the loop filter based on ... algorithms, including delta-sigma approaches, routinely uses double-precision floating point number representations for ...
Privacy-preserving machine learning algorithms are crucial for the increasingly common setting in which personal data, such as medical or financial records, are analyzed. We provide general...Full Text Available
Thermoacoustics deals with the conversion of heat energy into sound energy and vice versa. It is a new and emerging technology which has a strong potential towards the development of sustainable and renewable energy systems by utilizing waste heat or solar energy. Although simple to fabricate, the designing of thermoacoustic devices is very challenging. In the present study, a comprehensive design and optimization algorithm is developed for designing thermoacoustic devices. The unique feature of the present algorithm is its ability to design thermoacoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerators that can serve as sustainable refrigeration systems. In addition, new features based on the energy balance are also included to design individual thermoacoustic engines and acoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerators. As a case study, a thermoacoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator has been designed and optimized based on the developed ...
Feb 23, 2011 ... The potentials of the spherical sensor and nearby conductors are ... Incoming data are continuously monitored by algorithms in the software to ..... together with FM6 (Salsa) by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from Baikonur. ...
The aim of this work was to compare dose calculation algorithm results at orthovoltage energies for a phantom composed of a bone slab in water. The calculation methods investigated were: no correction, ETAR, Batho, convolution/superposition and Monte Carlo. All algorithms calculated depth dose curves in a water phantom within 4% of experiment. However in the bone phantom, differences of over 40% between the No Correction / ETAR / Batho / Convolution and Monte Carlo results in the 1 cm thick bone slab were observed. These differences are predominantly because the algorithms do not account for the differing atomic number of the bone compared to water The increased dose to bone and the tissue adjacent to the bone interface should be considered when treating with orthovoltage photons. Copyright (1998) Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine
The purpose of this work was to study and quantify the differences in dose distributions computed with some of the newest dose calculation algorithms available in commercial planning systems. The study was done for clinical cases originally calculated with pencil beam convolution (PBC) where large density inhomogeneities were present. Three other dose algorithms were used: a pencil beam like algorithm, the anisotropic analytic algorithm (AAA), a convolution superposition algorithm, collapsed cone convolution (CCC), and a Monte Carlo program, voxel Monte Carlo (VMC++). The dose calculation algorithms were compared under static field irradiations at 6 MV and 15 MV using multileaf collimators and hard wedges where necessary. Five clinical cases were studied: three lung and two breast cases. We found that, in terms of accuracy, the CCC algorithm ...
The purpose of this work was to study and quantify the differences in dose distributions computed with some of the newest dose calculation algorithms available in commercial planning systems. The study was done for clinical cases where large density inhomogeneities were present. Three dose algorithms were used: a pencil beam like algorithm, the anisotropic analytic algorithm (AAA), a convolution superposition algorithm, collapsed cone convolution (CCC) and a Monte Carlo program, voxel Monte Carlo (VMC++). The dose calculation algorithms were compared under static field irradiations at 6 MV and 15 MV using multileaf collimators and hard wedges where necessary. Five clinical cases were studied: three lung and two breast cases. We found that the CCC algorithm performed overall better than AAA compared to VMC++, but AAA remains an attractive ...
... on some results we obtained, using stochastic methods as ... choice between two customers in a queue and one ... with the terminal of edge I being the ...
... time the terminal becomes active and begins the process of ... The model class considered here is of a single server queueing ... 1 I are both stochastic. ...
Product-sum property states that an ordered pair (s"n,p"n) is unique for any ordered set a"1,a"2,...,a"n where a"i,n@?N, and s"n and p"n are the sum and product of the elements of the set, respectively. This fact has been exploited to develop an O(log(M)) time complexity algorithm for pattern searching in a large dataset, where M is the number of records in the dataset. Two potential applications (from databases and computational biology) of this property have been demonstrated to show the effectiveness and working of the proposed algorithm. The space complexity of the algorithm rises to the quadratic order.
Recently, the forecasting technologies for network traffic have played a significant role in network management, congestion control and network security. Forecasting algorithms have also been investigated for decades along with the development of Time Series Analysis (TSA). Chaotic Time Series Analysis (CTSA) may be used to model and forecast the time series by Chaos Theory. As one of the prevailing intelligent forecasting algorithms, it is worthwhile to integrate CTSA and Support Vector Machine (SVM). In this paper, after the vulnerabilities of Local Support Vector Machine (LSVM) in forecasting modeling are analyzed, the Dynamic Time Wrapping (DTW) and the ?Dynamic K? strategy are introduced, as well as a short-term network traffic forecasting algorithm LSVM-DTW-K based on Chaos Theory an...
In this paper, we propose a bid optimizer for sponsored keyword search auctions which leads to better retention of advertisers by yielding attractive utilities to the advertisers without decreasing the revenue to the search engine. The bid optimizer is positioned as a key value added tool the search engine provides to the advertisers. The proposed bid optimizer algorithm transforms the reported values of the advertisers for a keyword into a correlated bid profile using many ideas from cooperative game theory. The algorithm is based on a characteristic form game involving the search engine and the advertisers. Ideas from Nash bargaining theory are used in formulating the characteristic form game to provide for a fair share of surplus among the players involved. The algorithm then computes the nucleolus of the characteristic form game since we find that the nucleolus is an apt way of allocating the gains of cooperation among ...
Applying for AAO scheduled time Applying for AAT service time Applying for Gemini Time Travel and Accommodation AAT Schedule UKST Schedule Instrument capabilities and...
Background and purpose: The low density of lung tissue causes a reduced attenuation of photons and an increased range of secondary electrons, which is inaccurately predicted by the algorithms incorporated in some commonly available treatment planning systems (TPSs). This study evaluates the differences in dose in normal lung tissue computed using a simple and a more correct algorithm. We also studied the consequences of these differences on the dose-effect relations for radiation-induced lung injury. Materials and methods: The treatment plans of 68 lung cancer patients initially produced in a TPS using a calculation model that incorporates the equivalent-pathlength (EPL) inhomogeneity-correction algorithm, were recalculated in a TPS with the convolution-superposition (CS) algorithm. The higher accuracy of the CS algorithm is well-established. Dose distributions in lung were compared ...
This report presents criteria for the identification and evaluation of fire hazards in nuclear power stations. The report presents criteria that are consistent with the existing regulatory approach in Canada, and outlines engineering tools and analytical techniques currently available to deterministically analyse fire. The criteria presented cover the topics which should be included in a fire hazard analysis and provide details of each topic so that the accuracy of an analysis may be evaluated.
Highlights of the meeting are briefly summarized in this paper. Most of the papers presented at the meeting dealt with remediation and pollution prevention practices. A major focus of the technical sessions was on the identification of pollution sources. Identification of exposures to specific chemicals with disease outcomes was also discussed. Other papers focused on ecological exposures and their effects on wildlife to identify the presence of contaminants. 4 refs.
such as public utilities, waste disposal sites, large energy dependent facilities including factories, institutions ( ...provides immediate identification of PCB wastes, informs company officials of any special handling or disposal techniques ...provides immediate identification of PCB wastes, informs company officials of any special handling or disposal techniques
This Standards/Requirements Identification Document (S/RID) sets forth the Environmental Safety and Health (ESH) standards/requirements for the Plutonium Finishing Plant (PFP). This S/RID is applicable to the appropriate life cycle phases of design, construction, operation, and preparation for decommissioning. These standards/requirements are adequate to ensure the protection of the health and safety of workers, the public, and the environment.
A new method of particle identification of heavy ions through the measurement of the Bragg curve centroid and particle energy has been developed using a gas ionization chamber with a resistive anode layer. Z-resolutions comparable to the conventional ..delta..E-E counter telescope could be rather easily attained.
A new method of particle identification of heavy ions through the measurement of the Bragg curve centroid and particle energy has been developed using a gas ionization chamber with a resistive anode layer. Z-resolutions comparable to the conventional #DELTA#E-E counter telescope could be rather easily attained. (orig.).
A new article identification method based on the measurement of Bragg-curve centroids using a gas-filled ionization chamber has been improved for detection of low-energy particles around 1 MeV per nucleon by introducing a nonuniform distribution of resistance on the anode electrode. Almost the same quality of Z-resolutions as in the conventional ..delta..E-E method could be obtained up to Z=19.
Projectilelike fragments following the 80 MeV /sup 16/O+/sup 27/Al reaction have been detected using a Bragg-curve spectroscopy ionization chamber (BCS-IC). The atomic number is deduced from the Bragg-peak amplitude. Nitrogen isotopes are clearly resolved using either range or energy loss data. This is the first application of the BCS method for complete ion identification in a heavy-ion-induced reaction.
Projectilelike fragments following the 80 MeV "1"6O+"2"7Al reaction have been detected using a Bragg-curve spectroscopy ionization chamber (BCS-IC). The atomic number is deduced from the Bragg-peak amplitude. Nitrogen isotopes are clearly resolved using either range or energy loss data. This is the first application of the BCS method for complete ion identification in a heavy-ion-induced reaction.
An improved hydrocarbon fuel is described selected from the group consisting of gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, jet fuel, No. 1 heating oil, and No. 2 heating oil containing a detectable amount of one or more fullerene additives therein serving as identification means for said fuel wherein said fullerenes are present in an amount insufficient to alter any of the combustion properties of the fuel.
This document, the Standards/Requirements Identification Document (S/RID) Phase I Assessment Report for the subject facility, represents the results of an Administrative Assessment to determine whether S/RID requirements are fully addressed by existing policies, plans or procedures. It contains; compliance status, remedial actions, and an implementing manuals report linking S/RID elements to requirement source to implementing manual and section.
The sensitivity and specificity of the MGIT TBc identification (TBc ID) test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) detection in positive Bactec MGIT cultures were 95.2% and 99.2%, respectively. When MTC-positive results obtained from two additional molecular methods were included, the sensitivity of the MGIT TBc ID test was 85.4%, while that of culture was 95.7%. PMID:21450949
1-Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) is a specific inhibitor of polar auxin transport that blocks carrier-mediated auxin efflux from plant cells. To allow identification of the NPA receptor thought to be...Full Text Available
The work is devoted to a microscopic analysis of the reactive capacity of chitin. An algorithm for modeling the deacetylation reaction in a monomeric unit of chitin is described. The reaction coordinate and the potential energy surface topography are determined taking into account the electron-vibrational interaction and low-symmetry perturbations within Jahn-Teller theory. Based on this algorithm, the topological modeling of the deacetylation process is performed for the first time and a mechanism of the biological activity of chitosan is proposed.
A new semi-empirical algorithm for the radial distribution of dose is compared with available data. The algorithm is used to calculate the inactivation cross section for dry enzymes and viruses using an extended target model of a 1-hit detector. Agreement with data is at about the 15% level, approximating the precision of the data itself. (author).
The formulation of the problem of classification of lithologically heterogeneous rocks and rocks with mixed capacity space is analyzed under conditions of self-teaching. Using the example of one of the boreholes of the Pripyat trough we illustrated the possibilities of the Kompakt algorithm to classify deposits of the Frasnian stage without using standard data. Problems are listed for further study on the development of methods of application of self-teaching classification systems in the petroleum industry.
Activities and results are reported of a project to investigate the application of remote sensing technology developed for the LACIE, AgRISTARS, Forestry and other NASA remote sensing projects for the environmental monitoring of strip mining, industrial pollution, and acid rain. Following a remote sensing workshop for EPA personnel, the EOD clustering algorithm CLASSY was selected for evaluation by EPA as a possible candidate technology. LANDSAT data acquired for a North Dakota test sight was clustered in order to compare CLASSY with other algorithms.
This paper presents general considerations concerning the application of artificial neural networks algorithms, more specifically the back-propagation learning algorithm and feed-forward multi-layer networks, to several problems in power system. The main application in power systems is the load forecasting, and two solution methods are used to solve it. (author). 45 figs., 32 tabs., 144 refs.
A new algorithm for the treatment of sliding interfaces between solids with or without friction in an Eulerian wavecode is described. The algorithm has been implemented in the two-dimensional version of the CTH code. The code was used to simulate penetration and perforation of aluminum plates by rigid, conical-nosed tungsten projectiles. Comparison with experimental data is provided.
This thesis investigates the application of artificial neural networks for the compression of image data. An algorithm is developed using the competitive learning paradigm which takes advantage of the parallel processing and classification capability of neural networks to produce an efficient implementation of vector quantization. Multi-Stage, tree searched, and classification vector quantization codebook design are adapted to the neural network design to reduce the computational cost and hardware requirements. The results show that the new algorithm provides a substantial reduction in computational costs and an improvement in performance.
The aim of this study is to compare the dosimetry results that are obtained by using Convolution, Superposition and Fast Superposition algorithms in Conventional Radiotherapy, Three-Dimensional Conformal...Full Text Available
Fully coupled, Newton-Krylov algorithms are investigated for solving strongly coupled, nonlinear systems of partial differential equations arising in the field of computational fluid dynamics. Primitive variable forms of the steady incompressible and compressible Navier-Stokes and energy equations that describe the flow of a laminar Newtonian fluid in two-dimensions are specifically considered. Numerical solutions are obtained by first integrating over discrete finite volumes that compose the computational mesh. The resulting system of nonlinear algebraic equations are linearized using Newton`s method. Preconditioned Krylov subspace based iterative algorithms then solve these linear systems on each Newton iteration. Selected Krylov algorithms include the Arnoldi-based Generalized Minimal RESidual (GMRES) algorithm, and the Lanczos-based Conjugate Gradients Squared (CGS), Bi-CGSTAB, and Transpose-Free ...
However, market based pricing does not apply where the pricing requirements for specific services or .... Market based pricing only applies to the extent ...
In this paper, we study data structures for use in N-body simulation. We concentrate on the spatial decomposition tree used in particle-cluster force evaluation algorithms such as the Barnes-Hut algorithm. We prove that a k-d tree is asymptotically inferior to a spatially balanced tree. We show that the worst case complexity of the force evaluation algorithm using a k-d tree is {Theta}(n log{sup 3} n log L) compared with {Theta}(n log L) for an oct-tree. (L is the separation ratio of the set of points.) We also investigate improving the constant factor of the algorithm, and present several methods which improve over the standard oct-tree decomposition. Finally, we consider whether or not the bounding box of a point set should be {open_quotes}tight{close_quotes}, and show that it is only safe to use tight bounding boxes for binary decompositions. The results are all directly applicable to practical ...
The topic of supervised learning within the conceptual framework of artificial neural network (ANN) models is addressed. An ANN is a parallel distributed processing system that consists of many computationally simple processing elements interconnected through uni-directional weighted connections. Such networks, which are roughly patterned after biological nervous systems, have been proposed for use in areas in which the traditional von Neumann computer architecture has been relatively unsuccessful. Learning in these networks is accomplished through the use of algorithms that adjust the values of the connection weights. The work presented here addresses the issue of improving the rate at which ANNs can learn to achieve the mapping of an input pattern to a desired output pattern. The most successful learning algorithms for accomplishing this task are based on gradient descent error minimization techniques. However, the large amount of training ...
Daylight responsive dimming systems have been used in few buildings to date because they require improvements to improve reliability. The key underlying factor contributing to poor performance is the variability of the ratio of the photosensor signal to daylight workplane illuminance in accordance with sun position, sky condition, and fenestration condition. Therefore, this paper describes the integrated systems between automated roller shade systems and daylight responsive dimming systems with an improved closed-loop proportional control algorithm, and the relative performance of the integrated systems and single systems. The concept of the improved closed-loop proportional control algorithm for the integrated systems is to predict the varying correlation of photosensor signal to daylight workplane illuminance according to roller shade height and sky conditions for improvement of the system accuracy. In this study, the performance of the ...
Evolutionary artificial neural networks (EANNs) refer to a special class of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in which evolution is another fundamental form of adaptation in addition to learning. Evolutionary algorithms are used to adapt the connection weights, network architecture and learning algorithms according to the problem environment. Even though evolutionary algorithms are well known as efficient global search algorithms, very often they miss the best local solutions in the complex solution space. In this paper, we propose a hybrid meta-heuristic learning approach combining evolutionary learning and local search methods (using 1st and 2nd order error information) to improve the learning and faster convergence obtained using a direct evolutionary approach. The proposed technique is tested on three different chaotic time series and the test results are compared with some popular neuro-fuzzy ...
IMRT optimization requires a fast yet relatively accurate algorithm to calculate the iteration dose with small memory demand. In this paper, we present a dose calculation algorithm that approaches these goals. By decomposing the infinitesimal pencil beam (IPB) kernel into the central axis (CAX) component and lateral spread function (LSF) and taking the beam's eye view (BEV), we established a non-voxel and non-beamlet-based dose calculation formula. Both LSF and CAX are determined by a commissioning procedure using the collapsed-cone convolution/superposition (CCCS) method as the standard dose engine. The proposed dose calculation involves a 2D convolution of a fluence map with LSF followed by ray tracing based on the CAX lookup table with radiological distance and divergence correction, resulting in complexity of O(N"3) both spatially and temporally. This simple algorithm is orders of magnitude faster than the CCCS method. ...
This paper presents and implements an iterative feedback design algorithm for stabilisation of discrete-time switched systems under arbitrary switching regimes. The algorithm seeks state feedback gains so that the closed-loop switching system admits a common quadratic Lyapunov function (CQLF) and hence is uniformly globally exponentially stable. Although the feedback design problem considered can be solved directly via linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), direct application of LMIs for feedback design does not provide information on closed-loop system structure. In contrast, the feedback matrices computed by the proposed algorithm assign closed-loop structure approximating that required to satisfy Lie-algebraic conditions that guarantee existence of a CQLF. The main contribution of the paper is to provide, for single-input systems, a numerical implementation of the algorithm based on iterative approximate ...
Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithms try to optimize an unknown function that is expensive to evaluate using minimum number of evaluations/experiments. Most of the proposed algorithms in BO are sequential, where only one experiment is selected at each iteration. This method can be time inefficient when each experiment takes a long time and more than one experiment can be ran concurrently. On the other hand, requesting a fix-sized batch of experiments at each iteration causes performance inefficiency in BO compared to the sequential policies. In this paper, we present an algorithm that asks a batch of experiments at each time step t where the batch size p_t is dynamically determined in each step. Our algorithm is based on the observation that the sequence of experiments selected by the sequential policy can sometimes be almost independent from each other. Our algorithm identifies ...
With the advent of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the inclusion of heterogeneity corrections is further complicated by the conformal delivery of many small beams forming steep dose gradients. Radiation treatment planning has evolved to take into account even small changes in tissue density so that the dose to tumor can be further optimized. However, different treatment planning systems incorporate different heterogeneity correction algorithms, and it is unclear whether any of these algorithms are superior to others in terms of accurately predicting delivered radiation doses relative to measurement in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of heterogeneity dose calculations from two widely used IMRT treatment planning systems (Pinnacle and Corvus) against measurement. These two systems handle heterogeneity dose corrections by means of a collapsed-cone convolution superposition ...
In comparison to deterministic criteria, probabilistic reliability indices like interruption frequency and unavailability give a more differentiated insight into reliability in an electrical energy network. One possibility for network planning based on these indices is the definition of limits for customer nodes, another is the monetarisation of reliability in terms of interruption costs. Because of numerous disadvantages, interruption cost methods could not up to now win broad recognition in network planning in Western Europe. A more recent method for the monetarisation of reliability circumventing most of these disadvantages is the insurance system. In this system the customer selects a tariff class in an insurance system, and the utility reimburses its customers in the case of an interruption. In its first section, the paper describes a method for the flexible and realistic optimisation of MV networks. This method based on Genetic optimisation is able to integrate probabilistic ...
A unified Nonhydrostatic Multiscale Model on the Arakawa B grid (NMMB) designed for a broad range of spatial and temporal scales has been under development within the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF) at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) as a part of the new National Environmental Modeling System (NEMS). The model follows the general modeling philosophy of the NCEP's WRF NMM grid-point regional dynamical core. The model uses the regular latitude-longitude grid for the global domain, and a rotated latitude-longitude grid in regional applications. The nonhydrostatic component of the model dynamics is introduced through an add-on module that can be turned on or off depending on resolution. The "isotropic" quadratic conservative finite-volume horizontal differencing employed in the model conserves a variety of basic and derived dynamical and quadratic quantities and preserves some important properties of differential operators. Among these, the conservation of ...
We have studied the application of direct aperture optimization (DAO) as an inverse planning tool for breast IMRT. Additionally, we have analysed the impact of respiratory motion on the quality of the delivered dose distribution. From this analysis, we have developed guidelines for balancing the desire for a high-quality optimized plan with the need to create a plan that will not degrade significantly in the presence of respiratory motion. For a DAO optimized breast IMRT plan, the tangential fields incorporate a flash field to cover the range of respiratory motion. The inverse planning algorithm then optimizes the shapes and weights of additional segments that are delivered in combination with the open fields. IMRT plans were generated using DAO with the relative weights of the open segments varied from 0% to 95%. To assess the impact of breathing motion, the dose distribution for the optimized IMRT plan was recalculated with the isocentre sampled from a predefined ...
Previously, an analytical dose calculation algorithm for MLC-based radiotherapy was developed and commissioned, which includes a detailed model of various MLC effects as a unique feature [1]. The algorithm was originally developed as an independent verification of the treatment planning system's dose calculation and it explicitly modeled spatial and depth dependent MLC effects such as interleaf transmission, the tongue-and-groove effect, rounded leaf ends, MLC scatter, beam hardening, and gradual MLC transmission fall-off with increasing off-axis distance. Originally the algorithm was implemented in Mathematica trademark (Wolfram). To speed up the calculation time and to be able to calculate high resolution 2D dose distributions within a reasonable time frame (<2 s) the algorithm needs to be optimized and to be embedded in a user friendly environment. To achieve this goal, the dose calculation model ...
Purpose: An inverse treatment planning algorithm for tomotherapy is described. Methods and Materials: The algorithm iteratively computes a set of nonnegative beam intensity profiles that minimizes the least-squares residual dose defined in the target and selected normal tissue regions of interest. At each iteration the residual dose distribution is transformed into a set of residual beam profiles using an inversion method derived from filtered backprojection image reconstruction theory. These 'residual' profiles are used to correct the current beam profile estimates resulting in new profile estimates. Adaptive filtering is incorporated into the inversion model so that the gross structure of the dose distribution is optimized during initial iterations of the algorithm, and the fine structure corresponding to edges is obtained at later iterations. A three dimensional, kernel based, convolution/superposition dose model is used ...
The purposes of this report are (1) to perform a Verification and Validation (V and V) test for the VIPEX(Vital-area Identification Package EXpert) software and (2) to improve a software quality through the V and V test. The VIPEX was developed in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) for the Vital Area Identification (VAI) of nuclear power plants. The version of the VIPEX which was distributed is 3.2.0.0. The VIPEX was revised based on the first V and V test and the second V and V test was performed. We have performed the following tasks for the V and V test on Windows XP and VISTA operating systems: ? Testing basic functions including fault tree editing ? Testing all kind of functions ? Research for update from Visual BASIC 6.0 to Visual BASIC 2008
This paper deals with the experimental identification and the validation of a non-parametric probabilistic approach allowing model uncertainties and data uncertainties to be taken into account in the numerical model developed to predict low- and medium-frequency dynamics of structures. The analysis is performed for a composite sandwich panel representing a complex dynamical system which is sufficiently simple to be completely described and which exhibits, not only data uncertainties, but above all model uncertainties. The dynamical identification is experimentally performed for eight panels. The experimental frequency response functions are used to identify the non-parametric probabilistic approach of model uncertainties. The prediction of the low- and medium-frequency dynamical responses obtained with the stochastic system is compared with the experimental measurements.
An extensive set of benchmark measurement of PDDs and beam profiles was performed in a heterogeneous layer phantom, including a lung equivalent heterogeneity, by means of several detectors and compared against the predicted dose values by different calculation algorithms in two treatment planning systems. PDDs were measured with TLDs, plane parallel and cylindrical ionization chambers and beam profiles with films. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulations by meansof the PENELOPE code were performed. Four different field sizes (10x10, 5x5, 2x2, and1x1 cm"2) and two lung equivalent materials (CIRS, #rho#_e"w=0.195 and St. Bartholomew Hospital, London, #rho#_e"w=0.244-0.322) were studied. The performance of four correction-based algorithms and one based on convolution-superposition was analyzed. The correction-based algorithms were the Batho, the Modified Batho, and the Equivalent TAR implemented in the Cadplan (Varian) treatment ...
The auroras on Jupiter and Saturn can be studied with a high sensitivity and resolution by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ultraviolet (UV) and far-ultraviolet (FUV) Space Telescope spectrograph (STIS) and Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) instruments. We present results of automatic detection and segmentation of Jupiter's auroral emissions as observed by HST ACS instrument with VOronoi Image SEgmentation (VOISE). VOISE is a dynamic algorithm for partitioning the underlying pixel grid of an image into regions according to a prescribed homogeneity criterion. The algorithm consists of an iterative procedure that dynamically constructs a tessellation of the image plane based on a Voronoi Diagram, until the intensity of the underlying image within each region is classified as homogeneous. The computed tessellations allow the extraction of quantitative information about the auroral features such as mean intensity, latitudinal and longitudinal ...
The Proportional-Integral-Derivative Controller is widely used in industries for process control applications. Fractional-order PID controllers are known to outperform their integer-order counterparts. In this paper, we propose a new technique of fractional-order PID controller synthesis based on peak overshoot and rise-time specifications. Our approach is to construct an objective function, the optimization of which yields a possible solution to the design problem. This objective function is optimized using two popular bio-inspired stochastic search algorithms, namely Particle Swarm Optimization and Differential Evolution. With the help of a suitable example, the superiority of the designed fractional-order PID controller to an integer-order PID controller is affirmed and a comparative study of the efficacy of the two above algorithms in solving the optimization problem is also presented.
A numerical optimization technique is used to obtain low-energy momentum transfer, j = 0 [yields] 2 rotational and v = 0 [yields] vibrational sections from measured electron swarm data for parahydrogen. The downhill simplex algorithm is used to find cross sections that represent the best numerical fit to the measured electron drift velocity and characteristic energy over a range of E/N. These results, which are in excellent agreement with published cross sections derived using traditional swarm analysis techniques, demonstrates the feasibility of using automated computational algorithms for swarm analysis involving the estimation of multiple cross sections. (Author).
It is acknowledged that fluorescence line height (FLH) algorithms are still hampered by the uncertainty of fluorescence peak position. The fluorescence peak moves to longer wavelengths with the increase of chlorophyll a concentration. In this article, the fluorescence enveloped area (FEA), which integrates the fluorescence height and the fluorescence peak position, was used to estimate the chlorophyll a concentration in the coastal waters of the Pearl River Estuary. The FEA algorithm was developed from in situ data of chlorophyll a concentration, total suspended matter (TSM) concentration and above-water remote sensing reflectance, which were collected at 37 sampling stations in the Pearl River Estuary during two cruises. The results showed that the FEA algorithm made a better estimation o...
An algorithm for creating synthetic telescope images of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) density fields is presented, which utilises the adaptive nature of the SPH formalism in full. The imaging process uses Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer (MCRT) methods to model the scattering and absorption of photon packets in the density field, which then exit the system and are captured on a pixelated image plane, creating a 2D image (or a 3D datacube, if the photons are also binned by their wavelength). The algorithm is implemented on the density field directly: no gridding of the field is required, allowing the density field to be described to an identical level of accuracy as the simulations that generated it. Some applications of the method to star and planet formation simulations are presented to illustrate the advantages of this new technique, and suggestions as to how this framework could support a Radiative Equilibrium ...
Terrain attributes derived from digital elevation models have been used widely for mapping soil organic matter (SOM). Among these attributes, the topographic wetness index (TWI), an index for quantitatively indicating the balance between water accumulation and drainage conditions at the local scale, has been shown to correlate with SOM. However, TWIs used in most studies are calculated using a single-flow-direction (SFD) algorithm, which assumes that all water from a grid cell flows into only one neighboring cell. This assumption is not always valid, especially in areas with low relief where movement of water may be divergent. To overcome this SFD limitation, a multiple-flow-direction (MFD) algorithm has been developed, which distributes flow from a grid cell to several downslope neighbors...
We propose two algorithms to provide a full preliminary orbit of an Earth-orbiting object with a number of observations lower than the classical methods, such as those by Laplace and Gauss. The first one is the Virtual debris algorithm, based upon the admissible region, that is the set of the unknown quantities corresponding to possible orbits for a given observation for objects in Earth orbit (as opposed to both interplanetary orbits and ballistic ones). A similar method has already been successfully used in recent years for the asteroidal case. The second algorithm uses the integrals of the geocentric 2-body motion, which must have the same values at the times of the different observations for a common orbit to exist. We also discuss how to account for the perturbations of the 2-body motion, e.g., the J 2 effect.
In this paper, we develop a batch fuzzy learning vector quantization algorithm that attempts to solve certain problems related to the implementation of fuzzy clustering in image compression. The algorithm's structure encompasses two basic components. First, a modified objective function of the fuzzy c-means method is reformulated and then is minimized by means of an iterative gradient-descent procedure. Second, the overall training procedure is equipped with a systematic strategy for the transition from fuzzy mode, where each training vector is assigned to more than one codebook vectors, to crisp mode, where each training vector is assigned to only one codebook vector. The algorithm is fast and easy to implement. Finally, the simulation results show that the method is efficient and appears...
Considers fundamental problems involved in the precise location of faults on high-voltage transmission lines. The influence of pre-fault load on the distance-to-fault measurement problem is analysed and a new method of accounting for load effects is presented. Two of the algorithms considered are precise, containing no simplifyng assumptions and their overall accuracy is limited only by the accuracy of digital impedance relays at both ends of the protected circuit. A third algorithm presents a new approach to the fault location problem, which requires digital impedance relays at one end only of a transmission line. The procedures described are applicable to any system arrangement and are suitable for a wide range of fault resistance values.
The main topic of this thesis concerns efficient algorithms for the calculation of determinants of the kind of matrix typically encountered in lattice QCD. In particular an efficient method for calculating the fermion determinant is described. Such a calculation is useful to illustrate the effects of light dynamical (virtual) quarks. The methods employed in this thesis are stochastic methods, based on the Lanczos algorithm, which is used for the solution of large, sparse matrix problems via a partial tridiagonalisation of the matrix. Here an implementation is explored which requires less exhaustive treatment of the matrix than previous Lanczos methods. This technique exploits the analogy between the Lanczos tridiagonalisation algorithm and Gaussian quadrature in order to calculate the fermion determinant. A technique for determining a number of the eigenvalues of the matrix is also presented. A demonstration is then given ...
Timely detection of the pneumatic system problems is important in industry. Many techniques have been employed to solve this problem. In this paper, Genetic Algorithm (GA) based optimal configuration of neural networks is proposed for fault diagnostic of bottle filling systems. Back-propagation is used for neural networks algorithm. The back-propagation algorithm had six inputs and one output. A fitness function was designed to the minimize execution time of ANN model by keeping the number of hidden layer(s) and nodes as low as possible while the mean square error of estimated output error is minimized. The designed GA-ANN combination and the graphical user interface (GUI) eliminate the trial and error process for selection of the fastest and most accurate configuration. The performance of...
Microcalcifications in mammogram have been mainly targeted as a reliable earliest sign of breast cancer and their early detection is vital to improve its prognosis. Since their size is very small and may be easily overlooked by the examining radiologist, computer-based detection output can assist the radiologist to improve the diagnostic accuracy. In this paper, we have proposed an algorithm for detecting microcalcification in mammogram. The proposed microcalcification detection algorithm involves mammogram quality enhancement using multirresolution analysis based on the dyadic wavelet transform and microcalcification detection by fuzzy shell clustering. It may be possible to detect nodular components such as microcalcification accurately by introducing shape information. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for microcalcification detection is confirmed by experimental results.
Mining Time Series data has a tremendous growth of interest in today's world. To provide an indication various implementations are studied and summarized to identify the different problems in existing applications. Clustering time series is a trouble that has applications in an extensive assortment of fields and has recently attracted a large amount of research. Time series data are frequently large and may contain outliers. In addition, time series are a special type of data set where elements have a temporal ordering. Therefore clustering of such data stream is an important issue in the data mining process. Numerous techniques and clustering algorithms have been proposed earlier to assist clustering of time series data streams. The clustering algorithms and its effectiveness on various applications are compared to develop a new method to solve the existing problem. This paper presents a survey on various clustering ...
Algorithms for the authentication of byte sequences are described. The algorithms are designed to authenticate data in the Storage, Retrieval, Analysis, and Display (SRAD) Test Data Archive of the Radiation Effects and Testing Directorate (9100) at Sandia National Laboratories, and may be used in similar situations where authentication of stored data is required. The algorithms use a well-known error detection method called the Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). When a byte sequence is authenticated and stored, CRC bytes are generated and attached to the end of the sequence. When the authenticated data is retrieved, the authentication check consists of processing the entire sequence, including the CRC bytes, and checking for a remainder of zero. The error detection properties of the CRC are extensive and result in a reliable authentication of SRAD data.
This paper presents a new algorithm which is applicable in designing a smart damping system for vibration mitigation. The algorithm, which is extended into a unified system from Lyapunov stability theory, enables us to decrease the errors by its increased stability. The validity of this design method was proved in the experiment on a control model of three-storied building structure. Smart damper was used for MR (Magneto-Rheological fluid) damper in the experiment, and its control effectiveness was evaluated. In order to make a more accurate control model mathematically, we updated the model on the basis of the analysis of dynamic characteristics of structure and of the mathematical analysis of a lumped mass model, and then employed a state space model redefined by structural property matr...
Looking at kriging problems with huge numbers of estimation points and measurements, computational power and storage capacities often pose heavy limitations to the maximum manageable problem size. In the past, a list of FFT-based algorithms for matrix operations have been developed. They allow extremely fast convolution, superposition and inversion of covariance matrices under certain conditions. If adequately used in kriging problems, these algorithms lead to drastic speedup and reductions in storage requirements without changing the kriging estimator. However, they require second-order stationary covariance functions, estimation on regular grids, and the measurements must also form a regular grid. In this study, we show how to alleviate these rather heavy and many times unrealistic restr...
An appropriate mathematical model can help researchers to simulate, evaluate, and control a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack system. Because a PEMFC is a nonlinear and strongly coupled system, many assumptions and approximations are considered during modeling. Therefore, some differences are found between model results and the real performance of PEMFCs. To increase the precision of the models so that they can describe better the actual performance, optimization of PEMFC model parameters is essential. In this paper, an artificial bee swarm optimization algorithm, called ABSO, is proposed for optimizing the parameters of a steady-state PEMFC stack model suitable for electrical engineering applications. For studying the usefulness of the proposed algorithm, ABSO-based results...
BackgroundA common approach to understanding the genetic basis of complex traits is through identification of associated quantitative trait loci (QTL). Fine mapping QTLs requires...Full Text Available
Alkylphenols are widely used as plastic additives and surfactants. We report the identification of an alkylphenol, nonylphenol, as an estrogenic substance released from plastic centrifuge tubes. This...Full Text Available
Objective:The identification of biological markers in order to assess different aspects of COPD is an area of growing interest. The objective of this study was to investigate whether...Full Text Available
BackgroundStrategies to accurately identify the occurrence of specific health care events in administrative data is central to many quality improvement and research efforts. Many...Full Text Available
Oligonucleotide DNA probes complementary to the hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA of Bacteroides forsythus were tested for their specificity and sensitivity against reference and clinical isolates...Full Text Available
In proteomics, one-dimensional (1D) SDS-PAGE is widely used for protein fractionation prior to mass spectrometric analysis to enhance dynamic range of analysis and to improve identification...Full Text Available
Rhizobium leguminosarum, biovar viceae, strain RCC1001 contains two glutamine synthetase activities, GSI and GSII. We report here the identification of glnA, the structural gene for GSI. A 2 kb fragment...Full Text Available
This note is about three interesting 15th and 16th century sightings of comets in Kashmiri chronicles. We provide reasons for their identification as the 1468 S1, 1531 (Halley's), and 1533 M1 comets.
BackgroundAKXD recombinant inbred strains of mice have proven to be very useful in the identification of potential oncogenes and tumor suppressors involved in the development of...Full Text Available
Accompanying rapid developments in hepatic surgery, the number of surgeries and identifications of histological types of primary hepatic space-occupying lesions (PHSOLs) have increased dramatically....Full Text Available
Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection affecting various organs, including the central nervous system, especially the lumbar epidural space. This report describes the identification of disease and...Full Text Available
Previous studies have been conducted in gene expression profiling to identify groups of genes that characterize the colorectal carcinoma disease. Despite the success of previous attempts to identify...Full Text Available
MIL-STD-129. N. 5/15/97. Standard Practice for Military Marking. MIL-STD-130. K. 1/15/00. Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property. MIL-STD-2073-1 ...
ObjectivesMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) case-finding criteria have low specificity in general population studies. The present study retrospectively identifies cases...Full Text Available
The aspirin esterase activity of human plasma is due to butyrylcholinesterase and albumin. Our goal was to identify the amino acid residues involved in the aspirin esterase activity of albumin....Full Text Available
Genomic disorders are conditions that result from DNA rearrangements, such as deletions or duplications. The identification of the dosage-sensitive gene(s) within the rearranged genomic interval is...Full Text Available
BackgroundTissue microarray (TMA) data are commonly used to validate the prognostic accuracy of tumor markers. For example, breast cancer TMA data have led to the identification...Full Text Available
Most codon indices used today are based on highly biased nonrandom usage of codons in coding regions. The background of a coding or noncoding DNA sequence, however, is fairly random, and can be characterized...Full Text Available
Standard Practice for Military Marking. MIL-STD-130. K. 1/15/00. Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property. MIL-STD-2073-1 D. Notice 1. 12/15/99. 05/10/ 02 ...
Thirty chemicals or substances currently undergoing long-term carcinogenicity bioassays in rodents have been used in a project to further evaluate methods and information that may have the capability...Full Text Available
BackgroundIdentification of urinary biomarkers for detection of bladder cancer recurrence would be beneficial to minimize the frequency of cystoscopy. Our objective was to determine...Full Text Available
The genus of filamentous cyanobacteria, Lyngbya, has been found to be a rich source of bioactive metabolites. However, identification of such compounds from Lyngbya...Full Text Available
Experience with visual objects leads to later improvements in identification speed and accuracy (“repetition priming”), but generally leads to reductions in neural activity in single-cell...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe lack of adequate randomized clinical trials (RCT) has hindered identification of new therapies that are safe and effective for patients with primary focal segmental...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE—Identification of arterial genes and pathways altered in obesity and diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Aortic gene expression profiles of...Full Text Available
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the etiologic agent of tuberculosis and can be accurately detected by laboratories using commercial genetic tests. Nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) causing other mycobacterioses...Full Text Available
Motivation: The identification of gene regulatory modules is an important yet challenging problem in computational biology. While many computational methods have been proposed to identify...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe binding of peptide fragments of antigens to class II MHC is a crucial step in initiating a helper T cell immune response. The identification of such peptide epitopes...Full Text Available
BackgroundIdentification of global livestock diversity hotspots and their importance in diversity maintenance is essential for making global conservation efforts. We screened 52...Full Text Available
BackgroundNeuropeptide Y is a key neurotransmitter of the central nervous system which plays a vital role in the feed energy homeostasis in mammals. Mutations in the regulatory and...Full Text Available
The identification of predictive biomarkers is at the core of modern toxicology. So far, a number of approaches have been proposed. These rely on statistical inference of toxicity response from either...Full Text Available
A novel approach to the Bragg curve spectroscopy is utilized to construct a charged particle detector which makes fragment elemental identification and energy measurement possible. The advantage of the construction includes good timing and spectroscopic properties with a very low energy threshold. ((orig.))
BackgroundGene expression profiling and the analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks may support the identification of disease bio-markers and potential drug targets....Full Text Available
Portuguese ... Orig. Title Isolamento e identificacao do flavonoide (-)-4'-metil-epigalocatequina das raizes de Maytenus obtusifolia Mart. (Celastraceae)
A light-sensitive vitamin B12 derivative has been extracted from the adult cestode, Spirometra mansonoides. This corrinoid was identified as the cobamide coenzyme, adenosylcobalamin, by its chromatographic, chemical, and spectral properties. PMID:1003284
The identification and validation of biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia are increasingly important. To date, ELISA measurement of β-amyloid(1–42),...Full Text Available
Simian retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF) is a vascular fibroproliferative neoplasm which has many morphological and histological similarities to human Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Like epidemic KS in AIDS...Full Text Available
Various methods to analyse the effect of a non-isotherme water injection on the pressure evolution during a test on a double geothermal well are investigated. Then, several types of injection test are simulated with experimental data to examine the condit...
Understanding the interactions between herpesviruses and their host cells and also the interactions between neoplastically transformed cells and the host immune system is fundamental to understanding...Full Text Available
The plasmid pE194 (3.7 kilobases) is capable of integrating into the genome of the bacterial host Bacillus subtilis in the absence of the major homology-dependent RecE recombination system. Multiple...Full Text Available
BackgroundDNA repair is the general term for the collection of critical mechanisms which repair many forms of DNA damage such as methylation or ionizing radiation. DNA repair has...Full Text Available
Auxin modulates diverse plant developmental pathways through direct transcriptional regulation and cooperative signaling with other plant hormones. Genetic and biochemical approaches have clarified...Full Text Available
BackgroundMastitis in dairy cattle results from infection of mammary tissue by a range of micro-organisms but principally coliform bacteria and Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus...Full Text Available
Over 200 mutations in the retina specific member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter super-family (ABCA4) have been associated with a diverse group of human retinal diseases....Full Text Available
Environmental chemicals that function as estrogens have been suggested to be associated with an increase in disease and dysfunctions in animals and humans. To characterize chemicals that may act as...Full Text Available
BackgroundRecently, the discovery of copy number variation (CNV) led researchers to think that there are more variations of genomic DNA than initially believed. Moreover, a certain...Full Text Available
Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) acts as a co-receptor for class 3 semaphorins and vascular endothelial growth factor and is an attractive angiogenesis target for cancer therapy. In addition to the transmembrane...Full Text Available
BackgroundGene regulation is a key mechanism in higher eukaryotic cellular processes. One of the major challenges in gene regulation studies is to identify regulators affecting the...Full Text Available
A mutation in a new gene, molR, prevented the synthesis in Escherichia coli of molybdoenzymes, including the two formate dehydrogenase isoenzymes, nitrate reductase and trimethylamine-N-oxide reductase....Full Text Available
Skeletal formation is an essential and intricately regulated part of vertebrate development. Humans and mice deficient in Growth and Differentiation Factor 6 (Gdf6) have numerous...Full Text Available
Methylation of the arginine residues of histones by methyltransferases has important consequences for chromatin structure and gene regulation; however, the molecular mechanism(s) of methyltransferase...Full Text Available
Using a genetic screen we have identified two chromosomal genes, cusRS (ylcA ybcZ), from Escherichia coli K-12 that encode a two-component, signal...Full Text Available
Background and AimsSulfonylurea (SU) herbicides are used extensively in cereal–livestock farming zones as effective and cheap herbicides with useful levels of residual activity....Full Text Available
A duplication of the polypurine tract (PPT) at the center of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome (the cPPT) has been shown to prime a separate plus-strand initiation and to result...Full Text Available
Speech and language disorders are some of the most common referral reasons to child development centers accounting for approximately 40% of cases. Stuttering is a disorder in which involuntary...Full Text Available
The Carassius auratus complex in natural populations includes diploid triploid and polyploidy individuals. Diploid individuals belong to the species Carassius auratus...Full Text Available
Calorie restriction (CR) induces a metabolic shift towards mitochondrial respiration; however, molecular mechanisms underlying CR remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that CR-induced mitochondrial...Full Text Available
Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that maintains telomere length, is crucial for cellular immortalization and cancer progression. Telomerase activity is attributed primarily to the expression of...Full Text Available
Osteoblasts are the primary cells responsible for bone formation. They also support osteoclast formation from bone marrow precursors in response to osteotropic factors by inducing receptor activator...Full Text Available
... The basal markers CK5, alpha 6 integrin (CD49f), CD44, and p63 were strongly expressed by the majority of sphere-forming cells. ... p63 p63 PSCA ...
The Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) belongs to the Retroviridae family of enveloped viruses, which is known to acquire minute amounts of host cellular proteins both on the surface...Full Text Available
Bortezomib/PS-341/Velcade, a proteasome inhibitor, is widely used to treat multiple myeloma. While several mechanisms of the cytotoxicity of the drug were proposed, the actual mechanism remains elusive....Full Text Available
BackgroundASCL1 role in pancreatic endocrine tumourigenesis has not been established. Recently it was suggested that ASCL1 negatively controls expression of the...Full Text Available
The biological accumulation of heavy metals and cesium, strontium, and uranium in plants is discussed. The role of nutrient deficiencies and foliar treatments of manganese and iron compounds is described.
A nodulation plasmid, pRtr-514a, of molecular size 180 megadaltons (Mdal) was identified in Rhizobium trifolii strain NZP514. This plasmid was absent in both spontaneous and heat-cured Nod- derivatives...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, has been affected by severe mortality episodes associated with the protistan parasite QPX (Quahog Parasite Unknown)...Full Text Available
Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, which is used worldwide to control Aedes aegypti larvae, produces Cry11Aa and other toxins during...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the profile of osteoporosis treatment among patients hospitalized due to hip fractures at a tertiary-level university hospital. To compare the impact of hospitalization...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn recent years, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis has emerged as a critical model organism for comparative genomics and developmental biology. Although...Full Text Available
Epigenetic remodeling is a hallmark of cancer, with the frequent acquisition of de novo DNA methylation in CpG islands. However, the functional relevance of de novo...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn chordates, retinoid metabolism is an important target of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). It is not known whether SDRs play a role in retinoid...Full Text Available
BackgroundSchistosomiasis japonica remains a major public health problem in China. Its pathogen, Schistosoma japonicum has a complex life cycle and a unique repertoire...Full Text Available
AbstractMultiple HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) are known to cocirculate in Africa. In West Africa, the high prevalence of CRF02_AG, and cocirculation of subtype...Full Text Available
A synthetic strategy for constructing ionic hydrogen-bonded materials by combining perhalometallate anions with cations able to serve as hydrogen bond donors is presented. The approach is based on identification...Full Text Available
The identification of host cell factors for virus replication holds great promise for the development of new anti-viral therapies. Recently, high-throughput screening methods have emerged as...Full Text Available
Increasing numbers of human cowpox virus infections that are being observed and that particularly affect young non-vaccinated persons have renewed interest in this zoonotic disease. Usually causing...Full Text Available
The ETS proteins are a family of transcription factors (TFs) that regulate a variety of biological processes. We made genome-wide analyses to explore the classification of the ETS gene family. We identified...Full Text Available
We report on genetic identification of ‘whale meat’ purchased in sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, CA (USA) in October 2009 and in Seoul, South Korea in June and September 2009. Phylogenetic...Full Text Available
Linking biological samples found at a crime scene with the actual crime event represents the most important aspect of forensic investigation, together with the identification of the sample donor. While...Full Text Available
The development of chromatin immunoprecipitation methods coupled with DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) technology has enabled genome-wide identification of cis-DNA regulatory elements to which transcription...Full Text Available
The contents of the report include: Identification, documentation and delineation of coastal migratory bird habitat; and an annotated bibliography of literature on Alaska Water Birds.
We classified microorganisms from the clinical laboratory by using information provided by the Gram stain and antibiotic sensitivity profiles obtained with the Bauer-Kirby technique. Approximately 4,000...Full Text Available
The most important developments in gaseous detectors at LNL are reviewed. Some aspects of timing, pulse height and position resolutions of avalanche counters are reported. The experimental work on heavy-ion identification by Bragg curve spectroscopy is summarized.
Molecular genetic analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi, the cause of Lyme disease, has been hampered by the absence of any means of efficient generation, identification, and complementation...Full Text Available
Several Bartonella species have now been implicated as human pathogens. The recovery of these fastidious organisms in the clinical microbiology laboratory remains difficult, and current...Full Text Available
Real-time PCR has the potential to streamline detection and identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in human clinical samples. In the present...Full Text Available
The identification of the protein targets for dengue virus-specific T lymphocytes may be useful for planning the development of subunit vaccines against dengue. We studied the recognition by murine...Full Text Available
Secretariat of the Basel Convention United Nations Office at Geneva ...such as public utilities, waste disposal sites, large energy dependent facilities including factories, institutions (hospitals, ...it provides immediate identification of PCB wastes, informs company officials of any special handling or disposal techniques
We previously reported the identification of a new family of plant methyltransferases (MTs), named the SABATH family, that use S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) to methylate...Full Text Available
Feb 19, 2009 ... Standard Practice for Military Marking. MIL-STD-130. K. 1/15/00. Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property. MIL-STD-2073-1. D. Notice 1 ...
The authors extend the Fermilab formalism for heavy quarks to develop an {Omicron}(a{sup 2}) improved relativistic action. They discuss their construction of the action, including the identification of redundant operators and the calculation of the improvement coefficients.
The identification of MHC class II restricted peptide epitopes is an important goal in immunological research. A number of computational tools have been developed for this purpose, but there is a lack...Full Text Available
...Amendments to Sections 8-2:704 (Use of Certain Fuel Oils Forbidden), 8-2:705 (Use of Certain Coal Forbidden...and Nitrogen Oxides. Section 801(Sulfur Content of Fuel Oils), subsection 801.1 Section 802(Sulfur...
...Department of Environmental Control to ASARCO Incorporated. (B) Amended Administrative...Department of Environmental Control to ASARCO Incorporated. (C) Second Amended...Department of Environmental Control to ASARCO Incorporated. (ii) Additional...
...analysis for all of the stacks except the ASARCO stacks. (i) Incorporation by reference...1985 (except for materials pertaining to ASARCO), and January 28, 1986 (except for meterials pertaining to ASARCO and Appendix A). (19) On...
The purpose of this report is to describe the sampling approaches, modifications made to the 100 Area and 300 Area component of the RCBRA Sampling and Analysis Plan, summarize validation efforts, and provide sample identification numbers.