3,732 research outputs found
Computationally Efficient Trajectory Optimization for Linear Control Systems with Input and State Constraints
This paper presents a trajectory generation method that optimizes a quadratic
cost functional with respect to linear system dynamics and to linear input and
state constraints. The method is based on continuous-time flatness-based
trajectory generation, and the outputs are parameterized using a polynomial
basis. A method to parameterize the constraints is introduced using a result on
polynomial nonpositivity. The resulting parameterized problem remains
linear-quadratic and can be solved using quadratic programming. The problem can
be further simplified to a linear programming problem by linearization around
the unconstrained optimum. The method promises to be computationally efficient
for constrained systems with a high optimization horizon. As application, a
predictive torque controller for a permanent magnet synchronous motor which is
based on real-time optimization is presented.Comment: Proceedings of the American Control Conference (ACC), pp. 1904-1909,
San Francisco, USA, June 29 - July 1, 201
Raman spectroscopy and field emission measurements on catalytically grown carbon nanotubes
We used microcontact printing to pattern a silicon surface with an
iron-containing catalytic solution. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes were
subsequently grown on the patterned areas by chemical vapor deposition at
temperatures between 650 and 1000C. We demonstrate that the diameter of the
catalytically grown multi-wall nanotubes increases with the deposition
temperature. Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the crystalline
character of the obtained structures and it is found that the fraction of the
nano-crystalline shell increases with the temperatures. The measurement of the
field emission properties shows a correlation between the tube diameter and the
emission field values.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, 1 tabl
Recession and the Employment of Demographic Groups
macroeconomics, Recession, Demographic
Regional Inequality and Industrial Structures in Pre-War Japan: An Analysis Based on New Prefectural GDP Estimates
Studies comparing regional income in Japan before and after World War II have frequently drawn a picture of radical change from an economy characterized by large regional disparities to one characterized by small regional disparities. This paper comes to a very different conclusion. Based on estimates of prefecture-level value added for five benchmark years from 1890 to 1940 (a detailed description of our estimation methodology is provided), we examine trends in the gap of economic development between prefectures during the pre-war period and find that this gap was much smaller than claimed in preceding studies and, in fact, not much greater than during the post-war period. Observing, moreover, a decline in inter-prefectural differences in terms of per-capita gross value added during the pre-war period, we conduct a factor analysis and find that a major reason for this decline was a decline in inter-prefectural differences in same-industry labor productivity. Thus, the picture of modern Japan's economic development presented here is very different from the one painted by preceding studies.
Pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD
Although the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known precisely, approximately 10%β30% of patients with moderate to severe COPD have elevated pulmonary pressures. The vast majority of PH associated with COPD is mild to moderate and severe PH occurs in <5% of patients. When COPD is associated with PH, both mortality and morbidity are increased. There are no clinical or physical examination findings that accurately identify patients with underlying PH. Radiographic imaging findings are specific but not sensitive indicators of PH. Echocardiography is the principle noninvasive diagnostic test but may be technically limited in a significant proportion of patients with COPD. Right heart catheterization is required for accurate measurement of pulmonary pressures. The combined effects of inflammation, endothelial cell dysfunction, and angiogenesis appear to contribute to the development of PH associated with COPD. Systemic vasodilators have not been found to be effective therapy. Selective pulmonary vasodilators including inhaled nitric oxide and phosphodiesterase inhibitors are promising treatments for patients with COPD associated PH but further evaluation of these medications is needed prior to their routine use
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