On a linear program for minimum-weight triangulation

Minimum-weight triangulation (MWT) is NP-hard. It has a polynomial-time constant-factor approximation algorithm, and a variety of effective polynomial-time heuristics that, for many instances, can find the exact MWT. Linear programs (LPs) for MWT are well-studied, but previously no connection was known between any LP and any approximation algorithm or heuristic for MWT. Here we show the first such connections: For an LP formulation due to Dantzig, Hoffman, and Hu [Math. Programming, 31 (1985), pp. 1-14], (i) the integrality gap is constant, and (ii) given any instance, if the aforementioned heuristics find the MWT, then so does the LP. © 2014 Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

A new approach for solving nonlinear Thomas-Fermi equation based on fractional order of rational Bessel functions

In this paper, the fractional order of rational Bessel functions collocation method (FRBC) to solve Thomas-Fermi equation which is defined in the semi-infinite domain and has singularity at $x = 0$ and its boundary condition occurs at infinity, have been introduced. We solve the problem on semi-infinite domain without any domain truncation or transformation of the domain of the problem to a finite domain. This approach at first, obtains a sequence of linear differential equations by using the quasilinearization method (QLM), then at each iteration solves it by FRBC method. To illustrate the reliability of this work, we compare the numerical results of the present method with some well-known results in other to show that the new method is accurate, efficient and applicable

Exorcising the Ghost Condensate Dark Energy with a Sextic Dispersion Relation

The universe's current acceleration is a pretty recent phenomenon in cosmological time scales. This means that the modes that have left our horizon since the beginning of the contemporary acceleration phase, have not really reached the exact IR limit. Noting this observation, we reconsider the possibility of having a ghost condensate as dark energy with a sixth-order dispersion relation. Looking at the three-point function of such a theory, we obtain the constraints on the coefficient of the sixth-order dispersion relation to avoid strong coupling. Such a ghost condensate if coupled to the standard model fields, induces a constant Lorentz-violating spin-dependent force, which can gravitate or anti-gravitate.Comment: 15+1 page

A Reactive and Efficient Walking Pattern Generator for Robust Bipedal Locomotion

Available possibilities to prevent a biped robot from falling down in the presence of severe disturbances are mainly Center of Pressure (CoP) modulation, step location and timing adjustment, and angular momentum regulation. In this paper, we aim at designing a walking pattern generator which employs an optimal combination of these tools to generate robust gaits. In this approach, first, the next step location and timing are decided consistent with the commanded walking velocity and based on the Divergent Component of Motion (DCM) measurement. This stage which is done by a very small-size Quadratic Program (QP) uses the Linear Inverted Pendulum Model (LIPM) dynamics to adapt the switching contact location and time. Then, consistent with the first stage, the LIPM with flywheel dynamics is used to regenerate the DCM and angular momentum trajectories at each control cycle. This is done by modulating the CoP and Centroidal Momentum Pivot (CMP) to realize a desired DCM at the end of current step. Simulation results show the merit of this reactive approach in generating robust and dynamically consistent walking patterns