Minimization of Constraint Violation in Fuzzy Multiobjective Programming

Fuzzy multiobjective programming for a deterministic case involves maximizing the minimum goal satisfaction level among conflicting goals of different stakeholders using Max-min approach. Uncertainty due to randomness in a fuzzy multiobjective programming may be addressed by modifying the constraints using probabilistic inequality (e.g., Chebyshev’s inequality) or by addition of new constraints using statistical moments (e.g., skewness). Such modifications may result in the reduction of the optimal value of the system performance. In the present study, a methodology is developed to allow some violation in the newly added and modified constraints, and then minimizing the violation of those constraints with the objective of maximizing the minimum goal satisfaction level. Fuzzy goal programming is used to solve the multiobjective model. The proposed methodology is demonstrated with an application in the field of Waste Load Allocation (WLA) in a river system.

Constrained ferroelectricity in BaTiO3/BaZrO3 superlattices

BaTiO3/BaZrO3 superlattices with varying periodicities were grown on SrRuO3 buffered MgO (001) substrates by pulsed laser ablation. Ferroelectric measurements were done and correlated to the strain in the heterostructures. The results of ferroelectric measurements indicate an apparent suppression of polarization in the low period superlattices and the onset of weakly ferroelectric behavior in higher period superlattices. Measured switchable polarization values indicate that contribution is primarily from the BaTiO3 in the structure. These results have been correlated to the interfacial strain and the critical thickness of BaTiO3 when grown over tensile substrates such as MgO.

Impact-Angle-Constrained Suboptimal Model Predictive Static Programming Guidance of Air-to-Ground Missiles

A nonlinear suboptimal guidance law is presented in this paper for successful interception of ground targets by air-launched missiles and guided munitions. The main feature of this guidance law is that it accurately satisfies terminal impact angle constraints in both azimuth as well as elevation simultaneously. In addition, it is capable of hitting the target with high accuracy as well as minimizing the lateral acceleration demand. The guidance law is synthesized using recently developed model predictive static programming (MPSP). Performance of the proposed MPSP guidance is demonstrated using three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear engagement dynamics by considering stationary, moving, and maneuvering targets. Effectiveness of the proposed guidance has also been verified by considering first. order autopilot lag as well as assuming inaccurate information about target maneuvers. Multiple munitions engagement results are presented as well. Moreover, comparison studies with respect to an augmented proportional navigation guidance (which does not impose impact angle constraints) as well as an explicit linear optimal guidance (which imposes the same impact angle constraints in 3-D) lead to the conclusion that the proposed MPSP guidance is superior to both. A large number of randomized simulation studies show that it also has a larger capture region.

Features of a unique intronless cluster of class I small heat shock protein genes in tandem with box C/D snoRNA genes on chromosome 6 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Physical clustering of genes has been shown in plants; however, little is known about gene clusters that have different functions, particularly those expressed in the tomato fruit. A class I 17.6 small heat shock protein (Sl17.6 shsp) gene was cloned and used as a probe to screen a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genomic library. An 8.3-kb genomic fragment was isolated and its DNA sequence determined. Analysis of the genomic fragment identified intronless open reading frames of three class I shsp genes (Sl17.6, Sl20.0, and Sl20.1), the Sl17.6 gene flanked by Sl20.1 and Sl20.0, with complete 5' and 3' UTRs. Upstream of the Sl20.0 shsp, and within the shsp gene cluster, resides a box C/D snoRNA cluster made of SlsnoR12.1 and SlU24a. Characteristic C and D, and C' and D', boxes are conserved in SlsnoR12.1 and SlU24a while the upstream flanking region of SlsnoR12.1 carries TATA box 1, homol-E and homol-D box-like cis sequences, TM6 promoter, and an uncharacterized tomato EST. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that this particular arrangement of shsps is conserved in tomato genome but is distinct from other species. The intronless genomic sequence is decorated with cis elements previously shown to be responsive to cues from plant hormones, dehydration, cold, heat, and MYC/MYB and WRKY71 transcription factors. Chromosomal mapping localized the tomato genomic sequence on the short arm of chromosome 6 in the introgression line (IL) 6-3. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of gene cluster members revealed differential expression during ripening of tomato fruit, and relatively different abundances in other plant parts.

Dynamic Internal Cavities of Dendrimers as Constrained Media. A Study of Photochemical Isomerizations of Stilbene and Azobenzene Using Poly(alkyl aryl ether) Dendrimers

Dendritic rnicroenvironments defined by dynamic internal cavities of a dendrimer were probed through geometric isomerization of stilbene and azobenzene. A third-generation poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimer with hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic interior was used as a reaction cavity in aqueous medium. The dynamic inner cavity sizes were varied by utilizing alkyl linkers that connect the branch junctures from ethyl to n-pentyl moiety (C(2)G(3)-C(5)G(3)). Dendrimers constituted with n-pentyl linker were found to afford higher solubilities of stilbene and azobenzene. Direct irradiation of trans-stilbene showed that C(5)G(3) and C(4)G(3) dendrimers afforded considerable phenanthrene formation, in addition to cis-stilbene, whereas C(3)G(3) and C(2)G(3) gave only cis-stilbene. An electron-transfer sensitized trans-cis isomerization, using cresyl violet perchlorate as the sensitizer, also led to similar results. Thermal isomerization of cis-azobenzene to trans-azobenzene within dendritic microenvironments revealed that the activation energy of the cis- to trans-isomer was increasing in the series C(5)G(3) < C(4)G(3) < C(3)G(3)

New Insights into Optimal Discrete Rate Adaptation for Average Power Constrained Single and Multi-Node Systems

The throughput-optimal discrete-rate adaptation policy, when nodes are subject to constraints on the average power and bit error rate, is governed by a power control parameter, for which a closed-form characterization has remained an open problem. The parameter is essential in determining the rate adaptation thresholds and the transmit rate and power at any time, and ensuring adherence to the power constraint. We derive novel insightful bounds and approximations that characterize the power control parameter and the throughput in closed-form. The results are comprehensive as they apply to the general class of Nakagami-m (m >= 1) fading channels, which includes Rayleigh fading, uncoded and coded modulation, and single and multi-node systems with selection. The results are appealing as they are provably tight in the asymptotic large average power regime, and are designed and verified to be accurate even for smaller average powers.

Minimization of the effects of harmonics and voltage dip caused by electric arc furnace

This study examines the thermal efficiency of the operation of arc furnace and the effects of harmonics and voltage dips of a factory located near Bangkok. It also attempts to find ways to improve the performance of the arc furnace operation and minimize the effects of both harmonics and voltage dips. A dynamic model of the arc furnace has been developed incorporating both electrical and thermal characteristics. The model can be used to identify potential areas for improvement of the furnace and its operation. Snapshots of waveforms and measurement of RMS values of voltage, current and power at the furnace, at other feeders and at the point of common coupling were recorded. Harmonic simulation program and electromagnetic transient simulation program were used in the study to model the effects of harmonics and voltage dips and to identify appropriate static and dynamic filters to minimize their effects within the factory. The effects of harmonics and voltage dips were identified in records taken at the point of common coupling of another factory supplied by another feeder of the same substation. Simulation studies were made to examine the results on the second feeder when dynamic filters were used in the factory which operated the arc furnace. The methodology used and the mitigation strategy identified in the study are applicable to general situation in a power distribution system where an arc furnace is a part of the load of a customer

Helix and hairpin nucleation in short peptides using centrally positioned conformationally constrained dipeptide segments

The effect of incorporation of a centrally positioned Ac(6)c-Xxx segment where Xxx = (L)Val/(D)Val into a host oligopeptide composed of L-amino acid residues has been investigated. Studies of four designed octapeptides Boc-Leu-Phe-Val-Ac(6)c-Xxx-Leu-Phe-Val-OMe (Xxx = (D)Val 1, (L)Val 2) Boc-Leu-Val-Val-Ac(6)c-Xxx-Leu-Val-Val-OMe (Xxx = (D)Val 3, (L)Val 4) are reported. Diagnostic nuclear Overhouse effects characteristic of hairpin conformations are observed for Xxx = (D)Val peptides (1 and 3) while continuous helical conformation characterized by sequential NiH <-> Ni+1H NOEs are favored for Xxx = (L)Val peptides (2 and 4) in methanol solutions. Temperature co-efficient of NH chemical shifts are in agreement with distinctly different conformational preferences upon changing the configuration of the residue at position 5. Crystal structures of peptides 2 and 4 (Xxx = (L)Val) establish helical conformations in the solid state, in agreement with the structures deduced from NMR data. The results support the design principle that centrally positioned type I beta-turns may be used to nucleate helices in short peptides, while type I' beta-turns can facilitate folding into beta-hairpins.

Low cost calibrated mechanical noisemaker for hearing screening of neonates in resource constrained settings

Background & objectives: There is a need to develop an affordable and reliable tool for hearing screening of neonates in resource constrained, medically underserved areas of developing nations. This study valuates a strategy of health worker based screening of neonates using a low cost mechanical calibrated noisemaker followed up with parental monitoring of age appropriate auditory milestones for detecting severe-profound hearing impairment in infants by 6 months of age. Methods: A trained health worker under the supervision of a qualified audiologist screened 425 neonates of whom 20 had confirmed severe-profound hearing impairment. Mechanical calibrated noisemakers of 50, 60, 70 and 80 dB (A) were used to elicit the behavioural responses. The parents of screened neonates were instructed to monitor the normal language and auditory milestones till 6 months of age. This strategy was validated against the reference standard consisting of a battery of tests - namely, auditory brain stem response (ABR), otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and behavioural assessment at 2 years of age. Bayesian prevalence weighted measures of screening were calculated. Results: The sensitivity and specificity was high with least false positive referrals for. 70 and 80 dB (A) noisemakers. All the noisemakers had 100 per cent negative predictive value. 70 and 80 dB (A) noisemakers had high positive likelihood ratios of 19 and 34, respectively. The probability differences for pre- and post- test positive was 43 and 58 for 70 and 80 dB (A) noisemakers, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: In a controlled setting, health workers with primary education can be trained to use a mechanical calibrated noisemaker made of locally available material to reliably screen for severe-profound hearing loss in neonates. The monitoring of auditory responses could be done by informed parents. Multi-centre field trials of this strategy need to be carried out to examine the feasibility of community health care workers using it in resource constrained settings of developing nations to implement an effective national neonatal hearing screening programme.

An Online Actor-Critic Algorithm with Function Approximation for Constrained Markov Decision Processes

We develop an online actor-critic reinforcement learning algorithm with function approximation for a problem of control under inequality constraints. We consider the long-run average cost Markov decision process (MDP) framework in which both the objective and the constraint functions are suitable policy-dependent long-run averages of certain sample path functions. The Lagrange multiplier method is used to handle the inequality constraints. We prove the asymptotic almost sure convergence of our algorithm to a locally optimal solution. We also provide the results of numerical experiments on a problem of routing in a multi-stage queueing network with constraints on long-run average queue lengths. We observe that our algorithm exhibits good performance on this setting and converges to a feasible point.

The Structural Characterization of Folded Peptides Containing the Conformationally Constrained beta-Amino Acid Residue beta(2,2)Ac(6)c

Backbone alkylation has been shown to result in a dramatic reduction in the conformational space that is sterically accessible to a-amino acid residues in peptides. By extension, the presence of geminal dialkyl substituents at backbone atoms also restricts available conformational space for beta and ? residues. Five peptides containing the achiral beta 2,2-disubstituted beta-amino acid residue, 1-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (beta 2,2Ac6c), have been structurally characterized in crystals by X-ray diffraction. The tripeptide Boc-Aib-beta 2,2Ac6c-Aib-OMe (1) adopts a novel fold stabilized by two intramolecular H-bonds (C11 and C9) of opposite directionality. The tetrapeptide Boc-Aib-beta 2,2Ac6c]2-OMe (2) and pentapeptide Boc-Aib-beta 2,2Ac6c]2-Aib-OMe (3) form short stretches of a hybrid a beta C11 helix stabilized by two and three intramolecular H-bonds, respectively. The structure of the dipeptide Boc-Aib-beta 2,2Ac6c-OMe (5) does not reveal any intramolecular H-bond. The aggregation pattern in the crystal provides an example of an extended conformation of the beta 2,2Ac6c residue, forming a polar sheet like H-bond. The protected derivative Ac-beta 2,2Ac6c-NHMe (4) adopts a locally folded gauche conformation about the C beta?Ca bonds (?=-55.7 degrees). Of the seven examples of beta 2,2Ac6c residues reported here, six adopt gauche conformations, a feature which promotes local folding when incorporated into peptides. A comparison between the conformational properties of beta 2,2Ac6c and beta 3,3Ac6c residues, in peptides, is presented. Backbone torsional parameters of H-bonded a beta/beta a turns are derived from the structures presented in this study and earlier reports.

Minimization of grid current distortion in parallel-connected converters through carrier interleaving

Identical parallel-connected converters with unequal load sharing have unequal terminal voltages. The difference in terminal voltages is more pronounced in case of back-to-back connected converters, operated in power-circulation mode for the purpose of endurance tests. In this paper, a synchronous reference frame based analysis is presented to estimate the grid current distortion in interleaved, grid-connected converters with unequal terminal voltages. Influence of carrier interleaving angle on rms grid current ripple is studied theoretically as well as experimentally. Optimum interleaving angle to minimize the rms grid current ripple is investigated for different applications of parallel converters. The applications include unity power factor rectifiers, inverters for renewable energy sources, reactive power compensators, and circulating-power test set-up used for thermal testing of high-power converters. Optimum interleaving angle is shown to be a strong function of the average of the modulation indices of the two converters, irrespective of the application. The findings are verified experimentally on two parallel-connected converters, circulating reactive power of up to 150 kVA between them.