A novel continuous forward algorithm for RBF neural modelling

A continuous forward algorithm (CFA) is proposed for nonlinear modelling and identification using radial basis function (RBF) neural networks. The problem considered here is simultaneous network construction and parameter optimization, well-known to be a mixed integer hard one. The proposed algorithm performs these two tasks within an integrated analytic framework, and offers two important advantages. First, the model performance can be significantly improved through continuous parameter optimization. Secondly, the neural representation can be built without generating and storing all candidate regressors, leading to significantly reduced memory usage and computational complexity. Computational complexity analysis and simulation results confirm the effectiveness.

Constructing networks of continuous-time velocity-based models

A conventional local model (LM) network consists of a set of affine local models blended together using appropriate weighting functions. Such networks have poor interpretability since the dynamics of the blended network are only weakly related to the underlying local models. In contrast, velocity-based LM networks employ strictly linear local models to provide a transparent framework for nonlinear modelling in which the global dynamics are a simple linear combination of the local model dynamics. A novel approach for constructing continuous-time velocity-based networks from plant data is presented. Key issues including continuous-time parameter estimation, correct realisation of the velocity-based local models and avoidance of the input derivative are all addressed. Application results are reported for the highly nonlinear simulated continuous stirred tank reactor process.

Inter-phyla studies on neuropeptides: the potential for broad-spectrum anthelmintic and/or endectocide discovery

Flatworm, nematode and arthropod parasites have proven their ability to develop resistance to currently available chemotherapeutics. The heavy reliance on chemotherapy and the ability of target species to develop resistance has prompted the search for novel drug targets. In view of its importance to parasite/pest survival, the neuromusculature of parasitic helminths and pest arthropod species remains an attractive target for the discovery Of novel endectocide targets. Exploitation of the neuropeptidergic system in helminths and arthropods has been hampered by a limited Understanding of the functional roles of individual peptides and the structure of endogenous targets, such as receptors. Basic research into these systems has the potential to facilitate target characterization and its offshoots (screen development and drug identification). Of particular interest to parasitologists is the fact that selected neuropeptide families are common to metazoan pest species (nematodes, platyhelminths and arthropods) and fulfil specific roles in the modulation of muscle function in each of the three phyla. This article reviews the inter-phyla activity of two peptide families, the FMRFamide-like peptides and allatostatins, on motor function in helminths and arthropods and discusses the potential of neuropeptide signalling as a target system that could uncover novel endectocidal agents.

Sampled-data gain scheduling of continuous LTV plants

This paper discusses the design of gain- scheduled sampled-data controllers for continuous-time polytopic linear parameter-varying systems. The scheduling variables are assumed to available only at the sampling instants, and a bound on the time-variation of the scheduling parameters is also assumed to be known. The resultant gain-scheduled controllers improve the maximum achieveable delay bound over previous constant-gain ones in the literature.

Solventless continuous flow homogeneous hydroformylation of 1-octene

The hydroformylation of 1-octene under continuous flow conditions is described. The system involves dissolving the catalyst, made in situ from [ Rh(acac)(CO)(2)] (acacH = 2,4- pentanedione) and [RMIM][TPPMS] ( RMIM = 1-propyl (Pr), 1-pentyl (Pn) or 1-octyl (O)-3-methyl imidazolium, TPPMS = Ph2P(3-C6H4SO3)), in a mixture of nonanal and 1-octene and passing the substrate, 1-octene, together with CO and H-2 through the system dissolved in supercritical CO2 (scCO(2)). [PrMIM][TPPMS] is poorly soluble in the medium so heavy rhodium leaching (as complexes not containing phosphine) occurs in the early part of the reaction. [PnMIM][ PPMS] affords good rates at relatively low catalyst loadings and relatively low overall pressure (125 bar) with rhodium losses <1 ppm, but the catalyst precipitates at higher catalyst loadings, leading to lower reaction rates. [OMIM][ TPPMS] is the most soluble ligand and promotes high reaction rates, although preliminary experiments suggested that rhodium leaching was high at 5-10 ppm. Optimisation aimed at balancing flows so that the level within the reactor remained constant involved a reactor set up based around a reactor fitted with a sight glass and sparging stirrer with the CO2 being fed by a cooled head HPLC pump, 1-octene by a standard HPLC pump and CO/H-2 through a mass flow controller. The pressure was controlled by a back pressure regulator. Using this set up, [OMIM][ TPPMS] as the ligand and a total pressure of 140 bar, it was possible to control the level within the reactor and obtain a turnover frequency of ca. 180 h(-1). Rhodium losses in the optimised system were 100 ppb. Transport studies showed that 1-octene is preferentially transported over the aldehydes at all pressures, although the difference in mol fraction in the mobile phase was less at lower pressures. Nonanal in the mobile phase suppresses the extraction of 1-octene to some extent, so it is better to operate at high conversion and low pressure to optimise the extraction of the products relative to the substrate. CO and H2 in the mobile phase also suppress the extraction effciency by as much as 80%.

Towards variance-matrix characterization of complementarity relations in a continuous variable system

We discuss complementarity relations in a bipartite continuous variable system. Building up from the work done on discrete d-dimensional systems, we prove that for symmetric two-mode states, quantum complementarity relations can be put in a simple relation with the elements of the variance matrix. When this condition is not satisfied, such a connection becomes non-trivial. Our investigation is the first step towards an operative characterization of the complementarity in a scenario that has not been investigated so far.

Family functioning during the diagnosis process in families with children on the autism spectrum,

While the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) still are not fully understood, increasingly research focuses on interventions and treatment of children diagnosed with ASD. Considerably less attention is paid to family systems, family functioning, and family needs. This paper takes a family system perspective exploring how families with children on the autism spectrum function during the particularly stressful period of the diagnosis process and thereafter. Recommendations made in this paper include the need for empirical studies that address in detail family systems, family needs, the assessment and diagnostic process, service provision, social support networks, and additional stressful life events. Furthermore, the development of a family functioning assessment tools is called for in order to promote child-family-centred assessment and intervention. Details of an ongoing comparative study are outlined that will make a contribution to family studies and autism research field with a specific focus on the diagnosis

Experiences of parents during diagnosis and forward planning for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background For families of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) getting a diagnosis is a traumatic experience on which future care and education plans for the child depend. In this paper parental experiences of diagnosis and forward planning for children with ASD are reported. Method This paper is part of a large cross-sectional study conducted in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that assessed the needs and experiences of parents of children diagnosed with ASD. Questionnaires were designed and completed by 95 parents, reporting on 100 children, as well as 67 multi-disciplinary professionals. Results Findings confirm that diagnostic and planning processes are extremely stressful for parents, that statutory diagnosis takes a long time, that care and education plans do not include full parental participation, and that reviews of plans do not consistently include intervention data. Conclusion Policy and practice implications of these findings are important for future revisions of diagnostic tools and manuals.

Living with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parental and professional views

The number of children diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is rising and is now thought to be as high as 1:100. While the debate about best treatment continues, the effects of having a child diagnosed with ASD on family life remain relatively unexplored. This article, by Karola Dillenburger of Queens University Belfast, Mickey Keenan of the University of Ulster, Alvin Doherty from the Health Service Executive Western Region, Tony Byrne of Parents’ Education as Autism Therapists (PEAT) and Stephen Gallagher of the University of Ulster, sets out to adjust that balance. Drawing upon data from a comprehensive study of parental needs, these authors argue that parental and professional views do not always concur; that families make extraordinary sacrifices; that siblings are affected; and that parents are under tremendous stress. Parents argue that educational and social service supports are not efficient and that they are forced to rely largely on support from within the family or from friends. In particular, some important differences between parental and professional perceptions became apparent in relation to interventions based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). The authors of this article propose that these differences need to be taken seriously by teachers and other professionals as well as by policy-makers.