Switched Linear Model Predictive Controllers for Periodic Exogenous Signals

This paper develops linear switched controllers for periodic exogenous signals using the framework of a continuous-time model predictive control. In this framework, the control signal is generated by an algorithm that uses receding horizon control principle with an on-line optimization scheme that permits inclusion of operational constraints. Unlike traditional repetitive controllers, applying this method in the form of switched linear controllers ensures rumpless transfer from one controller to another. Simulation studies are included to demonstrate the efficacy of the design with or without hard constraints

Long-Term Human Video Generation of Multiple Futures Using Poses

Predicting future human behavior from an input human video is a useful task for applications such as autonomous driving and robotics. While most previous works predict a single future, multiple futures with different behavior can potentially occur. Moreover, if the predicted future is too short (e.g., less than one second), it may not be fully usable by a human or other systems. In this paper, we propose a novel method for future human pose prediction capable of predicting multiple long-term futures. This makes the predictions more suitable for real applications. Also, from the input video and the predicted human behavior, we generate future videos. First, from an input human video, we generate sequences of future human poses (i.e., the image coordinates of their body-joints) via adversarial learning. Adversarial learning suffers from mode collapse, which makes it difficult to generate a variety of multiple poses. We solve this problem by utilizing two additional inputs to the generator to make the outputs diverse, namely, a latent code (to reflect various behaviors) and an attraction point (to reflect various trajectories). In addition, we generate long-term future human poses using a novel approach based on unidimensional convolutional neural networks. Last, we generate an output video based on the generated poses for visualization. We evaluate the generated future poses and videos using three criteria (i.e., realism, diversity and accuracy), and show that our proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art works

The formation and merger of compact objects in the central engine of active galactic nuclei and quasars: Gamma-ray burst and gravitational radiation

The production rate of compact objects, i.e., neutron stars (NSs) and black holes (BHs), in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and quasars (QSOs), where frequent supernova explosions are used to explain the high metallicity, is very high because of the interaction between the accretion disk and main-sequence stars in the nucleus of the quasar. The compact object red giant (RG) star binaries can be easily formed because of the large captured cross section of the RG stars. The (NS/BH, NS/BH) binary can be formed after the supernova explosion of the (NS/BH, RG) binary. Intense transient gamma-ray emission (gamma-ray burst) and gravitational radiation can result from the merger of these two compact objects. Collision between the helium core (Hc) of the RG and the BH may also take place and may also result in long-duration gamma-ray bursts but no gravitational waves. We estimate that the merger rate of (NS/BH, NS/BH) binaries and (Hc, BH) is proportional to the metal abundance N v/C IV and can be as high as 10-3 [(N v/C IV)/0.01] yr-1 per AGN/QSO.published_or_final_versio

Jet Trimming

Initial state radiation, multiple interactions, and event pileup can contaminate jets and degrade event reconstruction. Here we introduce a procedure, jet trimming, designed to mitigate these sources of contamination in jets initiated by light partons. This procedure is complimentary to existing methods developed for boosted heavy particles. We find that jet trimming can achieve significant improvements in event reconstruction, especially at high energy/luminosity hadron colliders like the LHC.Comment: 20 pages, 11 figures, 3 tables - Minor changes to text/figure

"Boring formal methods" or "Sherlock Holmes deduction methods"?

This paper provides an overview of common challenges in teaching of logic and formal methods to Computer Science and IT students. We discuss our experiences from the course IN3050: Applied Logic in Engineering, introduced as a "logic for everybody" elective course at at TU Munich, Germany, to engage pupils studying Computer Science, IT and engineering subjects on Bachelor and Master levels. Our goal was to overcome the bias that logic and formal methods are not only very complicated but also very boring to study and to apply. In this paper, we present the core structure of the course, provide examples of exercises and evaluate the course based on the students' surveys.Comment: Preprint. Accepted to the Software Technologies: Applications and Foundations (STAF 2016). Final version published by Springer International Publishing AG. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1602.0517

Exponential stabilization of laminated beams with structural damping and boundary feedback controls

We study the boundary stabilization of laminated beams with structural damping which describes the slip occurring at the interface of two-layered objects. By using an invertible matrix function with an eigenvalue parameter and an asymptotic technique for the first order matrix differential equation, we find out an explicit asymptotic formula for the matrix fundamental solutions and then carry out the asymptotic analyses for the eigenpairs. Furthermore, we prove that there is a sequence of generalized eigenfunctions that forms a Riesz basis in the state Hilbert space, and hence the spectrum determined growth condition holds. Furthermore, exponential stability of the closed-loop system can be deduced from the eigenvalue expressions. In particular, the semigroup generated by the system operator is a Co-group due to the fact that the three asymptotes of the spectrum are parallel to the imaginary axis. © 2005 Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.published_or_final_versio

Exponential stability of variable coefficients Rayleigh beams under boundary feedback controls: A Riesz basis approach

In this paper, we study the boundary stabilizing feedback control problem of Rayleigh beams that have non-homogeneous spatial parameters. We show that no matter how non-homogeneous the Rayleigh beam is, as long as it has positive mass density, stiffness and mass moment of inertia, it can always be exponentially stabilized when the control parameters are properly chosen. The main steps are a detail asymptotic analysis of the spectrum of the system and the proving of that the generalized eigenfunctions of the feedback control system form a Riesz basis in the state Hilbert space. As a by-product, a conjecture in Guo (J. Optim. Theory Appl. 112(3) (2002) 529) is answered. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.postprin

Asymptotic Frequency Distributions for Variable Coefficients Rayleigh Beams under Boundary Feedback Control

The analysis of the boundary damping rate for eigenmodes of a Rayleigh Beam with variable coefficients is usually difficult because explicit solution formula are hard to come by. In this paper, by using the estimating devices of [9], we can carry out an asymptotic analysis and conclude that there is a uniform damping rate for the high frequency modes. As a result, Riesz basis property and exponential stability can be deduced and a conjecture in [3] is settled.published_or_final_versio

Monoclonal antibody against cadherin-17 as a potential treatment for liver cancer

This journal suppl. entitled: Abstracts of The International Liver Congress™ 2012 – 47th annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver / Poster AbstractsBACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of liver cancer associated with high mortality. Prognosis is poor in HCC patients largely because of late diagnosis and limitations in treatment options. Therefore, this study aims to identify alternative target for HCC in hope to offer new treatments to patients. Cadherin-17 (CDH17) has been identified as an oncofetal molecule of HCC and that a suppression of its expression by RNA interference (RNAi) leads to anti-tumorigenesis. To supplement the drawbacks associated with the use of RNAi approach in biotherapy, we developed specific antibody against CDH17 for achieving similar purpose. METHODS: Hybridoma cell clones capable of secreting antibodies ...postprin