Pole placement in multi-input systems via elementary transformations

This paper is concerned with the development of an algorithm for pole placement in multi-input dynamic systems. The algorithm which uses a series of elementary transformations is believed to be simpler, computationally more efficient and numerically stable when compared with earlier methods. In this paper two methods have been presented.

Pole placement in multi-input systems via elementary transformations

This paper is concerned with the development of an algorithm for pole placement in multi-input dynamic systems. The algorithm which uses a series of elementary transformations is believed to be simpler, computationally more efficient and numerically stable when compared with earlier methods. In this paper two methods have been presented.

Positional Consensus in Multi-Agent Systems using a Broadcast Control Mechanism

In this paper a strategy for controlling a group of agents to achieve positional consensus is presented. The proposed technique is based on the constraint that every agents must be given the same control input through a broadcast communication mechanism. Although the control command is computed using state information in a global framework, the control input is implemented by the agents in a local coordinate frame. We propose a novel linear programming formulation that is computationally less intensive than earlier proposed methods. Moreover, we introduce a random perturbation input in the control command that helps us to achieve perfect consensus even for a large number of agents, which was not possible with the existing strategy in the literature. Moreover, we extend the method to achieve positional consensus at a pre-specified location. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated through simulation results.

Deploy and search strategy for multi-agent systems using Voronoi partitions

In this paper we analyze a deploy and search strategy for multi-agent systems. Mobile agents equipped with sensors carry out search operation in the search space. The lack of information about the search space is modeled as an uncertainty density distribution over the space, and is assumed to be known to the agents a priori. In each step, the agents deploy themselves in an optimal way so as to maximize per step reduction in the uncertainty density. We analyze the proposed strategy for convergence and spatial distributedness. The control law moving the agents has been analyzed for stability and convergence using LaSalle's invariance principle, and for spatial distributedness under a few realistic constraints on the control input such as constant speed, limit on maximum speed, and also sensor range limits. The simulation experiments show that the strategy successfully reduces the average uncertainty density below the required level.

Positional Consensus of Multi-Agent Systems Using Linear Programming Based Decentralized Control with Rectilinear Decision Domain

In this paper we develop a Linear Programming (LP) based decentralized algorithm for a group of multiple autonomous agents to achieve positional consensus. Each agent is capable of exchanging information about its position and orientation with other agents within their sensing region. The method is computationally feasible and easy to implement. Analytical results are presented. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated with simulation results.

Branching Particle Systems and Superprocess

In this paper, we describe a system of particles that perform independent random motions in space and at the end of their lifetimes give birth to a random number of offspring. We show that the system in the large density, small mass, rapid branching or long time scale limit converges to a measure-valued diffusion called the superprocess.

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.

Photoluminescence, thermoluminescence and EPR studies of solvothermally derived Ni2+ doped Y(OH)(3) and Y2O3 multi-particle-chain microrods

Rod like structures of hexagonal Y(OH)(3):Ni2+ and cubic Y2O3:Ni2+ phosphors have been successfully synthesized by solvothermal method. X-ray diffraction studies of as-formed product shows hexagonal phase, whereas the product heat treated at 700 degrees C shows pure cubic phase. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of Y(OH)(3):Ni2+ show hexagonal rods while Y2O3:Ni2+ rods were found to consist of many nanoparticles stacked together forming multi-particle-chains. EPR studies suggest that the site symmetry around Ni2+ ions is predominantly octahedral. PL spectra show emission in blue, green and red regions due to the T-3(1)(P-3)->(3)A(2)(F-3), T-1(2)(D-1)->(3)A(2)(F-3) and T-1(2)(D-1)-> T-3(2)(F-3) transitions of Ni2+ ions, respectively. TL studies were carried out for Y(OH)(3):Ni2+ and Y2O3:Ni2+ phosphor upon gamma-dose for 1-6 kGy. A single well resolved glow peaks at 195 and 230 degrees C were recorded for Y(OH)(3):Ni2+ and Y2O3:Ni2+, respectively. The glow peak intensity increases linearly up to 4 kGy and 5 kGy for Y(OH)(3):Ni2+ and Y2O3:Ni2+, respectively. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of kinetics (b) were estimated by different methods. The phosphor follows simple glow peak structure, linear response with gamma dose, low fading and simple trap distribution, suggesting that it is quite suitable for radiation dosimetry. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decentralized linear quadratic power system stabilizers for multi-machine power systems

Linear quadratic stabilizers are well-known for their superior control capabilities when compared to the conventional lead-lag power system stabilizers. However, they have not seen much of practical importance as the state variables are generally not measurable; especially the generator rotor angle measurement is not available in most of the power plants. Full state feedback controllers require feedback of other machine states in a multi-machine power system and necessitate block diagonal structure constraints for decentralized implementation. This paper investigates the design of Linear Quadratic Power System Stabilizers using a recently proposed modified Heffron-Phillip's model. This model is derived by taking the secondary bus voltage of the step-up transformer as reference instead of the infinite bus. The state variables of this model can be obtained by local measurements. This model allows a coordinated linear quadratic control design in multi machine systems. The performance of the proposed controller has been evaluated on two widely used multi-machine power systems, 4 generator 10 bus and 10 generator 39 bus systems. It has been observed that the performance of the proposed controller is superior to that of the conventional Power System Stabilizers (PSS) over a wide range of operating and system conditions.

Over-expression and purification strategies for recombinant multi-protein oligomers: A case study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis sigma/anti-sigma factor protein complexes

The function of a protein in a cell often involves coordinated interactions with one or several regulatory partners. It is thus imperative to characterize a protein both in isolation as well as in the context of its complex with an interacting partner. High resolution structural information determined by X-ray crystallography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance offer the best route to characterize protein complexes. These techniques, however, require highly purified and homogenous protein samples at high concentration. This requirement often presents a major hurdle for structural studies. Here we present a strategy based on co-expression and co-purification to obtain recombinant multi-protein complexes in the quantity and concentration range that can enable hitherto intractable structural projects. The feasibility of this strategy was examined using the sigma factor/anti-sigma factor protein complexes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The approach was successful across a wide range of sigma factors and their cognate interacting partners. It thus appears likely that the analysis of these complexes based on variations in expression constructs and procedures for the purification and characterization of these recombinant protein samples would be widely applicable for other multi-protein systems. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A structure-preserving energy function for stability analysis of AC/DC systems

Direct stability analysis ofAC/DC power systems using a structure-preserving energy function (SPEF) is proposed in this paper. The system model considered retains the load buses thereby enabling the representation of nonlinear voltage dependent loads. TheHVDC system is represented with the same degree of detail as is normally done in transient stability simulation. The converter controllers can be represented by simplified or detailed models. Two or multi-terminalDC systems can be considered. The stability analysis is illustrated with a 3-machine system example and encouraging results have been obtained.

Performance of a class of multi-robot deploy and search strategies based on centroidal voronoi configurations

This article considers a class of deploy and search strategies for multi-robot systems and evaluates their performance. The application framework used is deployment of a system of autonomous mobile robots equipped with required sensors in a search space to gather information. The lack of information about the search space is modelled as an uncertainty density distribution. The agents are deployed to maximise single-step search effectiveness. The centroidal Voronoi configuration, which achieves a locally optimal deployment, forms the basis for sequential deploy and search (SDS) and combined deploy and search (CDS) strategies. Completeness results are provided for both search strategies. The deployment strategy is analysed in the presence of constraints on robot speed and limit on sensor range for the convergence of trajectories with corresponding control laws responsible for the motion of robots. SDS and CDS strategies are compared with standard greedy and random search strategies on the basis of time taken to achieve reduction in the uncertainty density below a desired level. The simulation experiments reveal several important issues related to the dependence of the relative performances of the search strategies on parameters such as the number of robots, speed of robots and their sensor range limits.

Quantification of the Particle Size and Stability of Graphene Oxide in a Variety of Solvents

The exceptional solution processing potential of graphene oxide (GO) is always one of its main advantages over graphene in terms of its industrial relevance in coatings, electronics, and energy storage. However, the presence of a variety of functional groups on the basal plane and edges of GO makes understanding suspension behavior in aqueous and organic solvents, a major challenge. Acoustic spectroscopy can also measure zeta potential to provide unique insight into flocculating, meta-stable, and stable suspensions of GO in deionized water and a variety of organic solvents (including ethanol, ethylene glycol, and mineral oil). As expected, a match between solvent polarity and the polar functional groups on the GO surface favors stable colloidal suspensions accompanied by a smaller aggregate size tending toward disperse individual flakes of GO. This work is significant since it describes the characteristics of GO in solution and its ability to act as a precursor for graphene-based materials.