State Transition Algorithm

In terms of the concepts of state and state transition, a new heuristic random search algorithm named state transition algorithm is proposed. For continuous function optimization problems, four special transformation operators called rotation, translation, expansion and axesion are designed. Adjusting measures of the transformations are mainly studied to keep the balance of exploration and exploitation. Convergence analysis is also discussed about the algorithm based on random search theory. In the meanwhile, to strengthen the search ability in high dimensional space, communication strategy is introduced into the basic algorithm and intermittent exchange is presented to prevent premature convergence. Finally, experiments are carried out for the algorithms. With 10 common benchmark unconstrained continuous functions used to test the performance, the results show that state transition algorithms are promising algorithms due to their good global search capability and convergence property when compared with some popular algorithms.Comment: 18 pages, 28 figure

LED Arrays as Cost Effective and Efficient Light Sources for Widefield Microscopy

New developments in fluorophores as well as in detection methods have fueled the rapid growth of optical imaging in the life sciences. Commercial widefield microscopes generally use arc lamps, excitation/emission filters and shutters for fluorescence imaging. These components can be expensive, difficult to maintain and preclude stable illumination. Here, we describe methods to construct inexpensive and easy-to-use light sources for optical microscopy using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We also provide examples of its applicability to biological fluorescence imaging

Digital LED Pixels: Instructions for use and a characterization of their properties

This article details how to control light emitting diodes (LEDs) using an ordinary desktop computer. By combining digitally addressable LEDs with an off-the-shelf microcontroller (Arduino), multiple LEDs can be controlled independently and with a high degree of temporal, chromatic, and luminance precision. The proposed solution is safe (can be powered by a 5-V battery), tested (has been used in published research), inexpensive (∼ $60 +$2 per LED), highly interoperable (can be controlled by any type of computer/operating system via a USB or Bluetooth connection), requires no prior knowledge of electrical engineering (components simply require plugging together), and uses widely available components for which established help forums already exist. Matlab code is provided, including a ‘minimal working example’ of use suitable for use by beginners. Properties of the recommended LEDs are also characterized, including their response time, luminance profile, and color gamut. Based on these, it is shown that the LEDs are highly stable in terms of both luminance and chromaticity, and do not suffer from issues of warm-up, chromatic shift, and slow response times associated with traditional CRT and LCD monitor technology

Recent soft computing methods in software reliability engineering

This paper presents recent approaches in soft computing to manage imprecision and uncertainty which appear in software reliability engineering. Firstly, recent approaches like imprecise probabilities, generalized intervals, fuzzy sets and intuitionistic-fuzzy sets are shortly described, and the usage of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers for system reliability computation is shown. Intuitionistic-fuzzy approaches for software reliability growth models are proposed and experimental results are given

Towards web applications reliability engineering

There is an increasing request for web-based software systems, some of them to be used very intensive. The customers ask not only for fast design and implementation, but also for a high quality product. Considering reliability as an important quality attribute, this paper describes the current state of the art in designing, implementing, and testing web-based applications. An important attention is given to web-based software vulnerabilities and how to deliver secure software. Then, reliability modeling in the case of secure web-based software is discussed

RISK PRIORITY NUMBER ESTIMATION USING INTUITIONISTIC-FUZZY NUMBERS IN POWER ENGINEERING

This paper considers the evaluation of the Risk Priority Number (RPN) for FMEA approaches. There are presented the traditional RPN method, and existing fuzzy logic based methods. Intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs) and computational methods involving IFNs are described, and a new methodology for RPN estimation is proposed. Finally, the new IFNFMEA risk assessment is explained and its usage is shown for the power engineering field