Fuzzy logic controller optimized by particle swarm optimization for DC motor speed control

In this paper, we presented an optimized fuzzy logic controller using particle swarm optimization for DC motor speed control. The controller model is simulated using MATLAB software and also experimentally tested on a laboratory DC motor. A comparison of the performance of different controllers such as PID controller, fuzzy logic controller and optimized fuzzy logic controller is presented as well. With reference to the results of digital simulations and experiment, the designed FLC-PSO speed controller obtains much better dynamic behavior compared to PID and the normal FLC designed. Moreover, it can acquire superior performance of the DC motor, and also perfect speed tracking with no overshoot. The optimized membership functions (MFs) are obviously proved to be able to provide a better performance and higher robustness in comparison with a regular fuzzy model, when the MFs were heuristically defined. Besides, experimental results verify the ability of proposed FLC under sudden change of the load torque which leads to speed variances.

Developmental trajectories of adolescent cannabis use and their relationship to young adult social and behavioural adjustment: a longitudinal study of Australian youth

This study aimed to identify distinct developmental trajectories (sub-groups of individuals who showed similar longitudinal patterns) of cannabis use among Australian adolescents, and to examine associations between trajectory group membership and measures of social and behavioural adjustment in young adulthood. Participants (n=852, 53% female) were part of the International Youth Development Study. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct trajectories of cannabis use frequency from average ages 12 to 19, across 6 waves of data. Logistic regression analyses and analyses of covariance were used to examine relationships between trajectory group membership and young adult (average age: 21) adjustment, controlling for a range of covariates. Three trajectories were identified: abstainers (62%), early onset users (11%), and late onset occasional users (27%). The early onset users showed a higher frequency of antisocial behaviour, violence, cannabis use, cannabis-related harms, cigarette use, and alcohol harms, compared to the abstinent group in young adulthood. The late onset occasional users reported a higher frequency of cannabis use, cannabis-related harms, illicit drug use, and alcohol harms, compared to the abstinent group in young adulthood. There were no differences between the trajectory groups on measures of employment, school completion, post-secondary education, income, depression/anxiety, or alcohol use problems. In conclusion, early onset of cannabis use, even at relatively low frequency during adolescence, is associated with poorer adjustment in young adulthood. Prevention and intervention efforts to delay or prevent uptake of cannabis use should be particularly focussed on early adolescence prior to age 12.

The international legal status of the Vatican/Holy See complex

This article offers a re-examination of the international legal status of what is here termed the Vatican/Holy See complex (VHS), focusing on claims to statehood. The problematic ‘effect’ of Vatican City, of the Holy See, of the papacy and of associated entities is interrogated at the level of international law, entering as little as possible into administrative or theological distinctions. The various grounds cited as supporting status amounting to statehood are argued to be inadequate. The continuing exchange of representatives with states by the VHS is missionary and hierarchical in character and is reflective neither of the reciprocity of peers nor of customary obligation going to law. Agreements entered into by the papacy with the Kingdom of Italy (the Lateran Pacts) in 1929, relating to the status of the geographical territory known as Vatican City, cannot be determinative of international status. Nor can membership of international agreements and organizations confer a status amounting to statehood. Events and practices since 1929 have not substantially altered international status as of 1870. The Roman Catholic Church is but one of many faith-based international movements, and since the eclipse of the papal state nearly one-and-a-half centuries ago, the status in international law of its temporal headquarters in Rome should not be privileged.

Streaming variational inference for dirichlet process mixtures

Bayesian nonparametric models are theoretically suitable to learn streaming data due to their complexity relaxation to the volume of observed data. However, most of the existing variational inference algorithms are not applicable to streaming applications since they re-quire truncation on variational distributions. In this paper, we present two truncation-free variational algorithms, one for mix-membership inference called TFVB (truncation-free variational Bayes), and the other for hard clustering inference called TFME (truncation-free maximization expectation). With these algorithms, we further developed a streaming learning framework for the popular Dirichlet process mixture (DPM) models. Our ex-periments demonstrate the usefulness of our framework in both synthetic and real-world data.

Design of an optimal ANFIS traffic signal controller by using cuckoo search for an isolated intersection

An optimal design of Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) traffic signal controller is presented in this paper. The proposed controller aims to adjust a set of green times for traffic lights in a single intersection with the purpose of minimizing travel delay time and traffic congestion. The ANFIS controller is trained, to learned how to set green times for each traffic phase. This intelligent controller uses the Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm to tune its parameters during the learning pried. Evaluating the performance of the proposed controller in comparison with the performance of a FLS controller (FLC) with predefined rules and membership functions, and also three fixed-Time controllers, illustrates the better performance of the optimal ANFIS controller against the other benchmark controllers.

Dynamic access point association using software defined networking

Previous attempts in addressing Access Point (AP) association at overlapping zone of IEEE 802.11 networks have shown some issues. They work passively and estimate load from different network metrics such as frame delay, packet loss, number of users etc. that may not always true. Further the user behaviour is selfish i.e. illegitimate user consume high network resources. This adversely affect existing or new users which in turn motivates them to change locations. To alleviate these issues, we propose the use of a Software Defined Networking (SDN) enabled client side (wireless end user) solution. In this paper, we start by proposing a dynamic AP selection algorithm/framework in wireless user device. The device receive network resource related statistics from SDN Controller and guide the client device to associate itself with the best selected AP. We justify that the use of SDN discourage users to act selfishly. Further, a mathematical modelling of the proposed scheme is derived using Fuzzy membership function and the simulation is carried out. Results obtained from simulation necessitates to implement SDN enabled client side methods.

Interprofessional collaborative practice across Australasia: an emergent and effective community of practice

Individuals involved in fostering interprofessional collaborative practice in health are employed in the education, practice and political arenas. While the need to innovate and develop optimal training and practice is not new, the uniqueness of interprofessional collaborative practice is that it exists across professional backgrounds and transcends traditional hierarchies (entry-level to senior practitioners). As such, alternate models of support are required to assist champions to progress learning and innovation. One such model is a group of educators and practitioners networking across Australasia, resulting in the Australasian Community of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (ACoIPCP). ACoIPCP is a lively community of practice (CoP) group across Australia and New Zealand, which is abreast of current activity in the relevant arenas and provides members with an avenue to share information and, therefore, respond appropriately to changes in the environment. Membership includes likeminded individuals who work in the area of interprofessional collaboration from a broad range of perspectives in both health education and practice. This paper describes the development of ACoIPCP and its aims, activities and achievements. By developing a community of practice framework in a cross-organisational environment, ACoIPCP members have been able to support one another, share resources, seek feedback and learn with and from one another to foster interprofessional collaborative practice within educational, clinical and political settings. Information about the processes and outcomes of ACoIPCP may provide guidance to others interested in facilitating learning and innovation through a community of practice model.