Designing a hierarchical fuzzy logic controller using the differential evolution approach

In conventional fuzzy logic controllers, the computational complexity increases with the dimensions of the system variables; the number of rules increases exponentially as the number of system variables increases. Hierarchical fuzzy logic controllers ( HFLC) have been introduced to reduce the number of rules to a linear function of system variables. However, the use of hierarchical fuzzy logic controllers raises new issues in the automatic design of controllers, namely the coordination of outputs of sub- controllers at lower levels of the hierarchy. In this paper, a method is described for the automatic design of an HFLC using an evolutionary algorithm called differential evolution ( DE). The aim in this paper is to develop a sufficiently versatile method that can be applied to the design of any HFLC architecture. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated by developing a two- stage HFLC for controlling a cart - pole with four state variables. The merits of the method are automatic generation of the HFLC and simplicity as the number of parameters used for encoding the problem are greatly reduced as compared to conventional methods

On simplifying the automatic design of a fuzzy logic controller

With the availability of a wide range of evolutionary algorithms such as genetic algorithms, evolutionary programming, evolution strategies and differential evolution, every conceivable aspect of the design of a fuzzy logic controller has been optimized and automated. Although there is no doubt that these automated techniques can produce an optimal fuzzy logic controller, the structure of such a controller is often obscure and in many cases these optimizations are simply not needed. We believe that the automatic design of a fuzzy logic controller can be simplified by using a generic rule base such as the Mac Vicar-Whelan rule base and using an evolutionary algorithm to optimize only the membership functions of the fuzzy sets. Furthermore, by restricting the overlapping of fuzzy sets, using triangular membership functions and singletons, and reducing the number of parameters to represent the membership functions, the design can be further simplified. This paper describes this method of simplifying the design and some experiments performed to ascertain its validity

The Need for Data Governance: A Case Study

Data governance is an emerging trend in enterprise information management. This paper explores the relationship between IT Governance and Data Governance. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requires accurate financial data and to achieve this IT controls are designed to ensure that data is correct and protected from unauthorised change. Data quality is measured by its accuracy, timeliness, relevance, completeness, trustworthiness and contextual definition. Good data quality requires effective data management. The research looks at the need for Data Governance to manage data effectively. This study examines a large organisation that has adopted an ad-hoc Data Governance model to manage its data. It was found that its data management efforts were hampered mainly by the lack of clear roles and responsibilities and the lack of mandate to carry out data quality improvement initiatives. In order to promote effective data management, this research identifies a Data Governance Structure and Framework with the emphasis on collaboration between business and IT to support organisations

Determining the physical conditions of extremely young Class 0 circumbinary disk around VLA1623A

We present detailed analysis of high-resolution C18O (2-1), SO (88-77), CO (3-2) and DCO+ (3-2) data obtained by the Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) towards a Class 0 Keplerian circumbinary disk around VLA1623A, which represents one of the most complete analysis towards a Class 0 source. From the dendrogram analysis, we identified several accretion flows feeding the circumbinary disk in a highly anisotropic manner. Stream-like SO emission around the circumbinary disk reveals the complicated shocks caused by the interactions between the disk, accretion flows and outflows. A wall-like structure is discovered south of VLA1623B. The discovery of two outflow cavity walls at the same position traveling at different velocities suggests the two outflows from both VLA1623A and VLA1623B overlays on top of each other in the plane of sky. Our detailed flat and flared disk modeling shows that Cycle 2 C18O J = 2-1 data is inconsistent with the combined binary mass of 0.2 Msun as suggested by early Cycle 0 studies. The combined binary mass for VLA1623A should be modified to 0.3 ~ 0.5 Msun.Comment: 26 pages, 20 figures, accepted by ApJ 2020.2.2

Optimality and Duality for Multiobjective Fractional Programming Involvingn-Set Functions

AbstractWe consider a multiobjective fractional programming problem (MFP) involving vector-valued objectiven-set functions in which their numerators are different from each other, but their denominators are the same. By using the concept of proper efficiency, we establish optimality conditions and duality relations for our problem (MFP) under convexity assumptions on objective and constrained functions

The effects of owning a pet on self-esteem and self-efficacy of Malaysian per owners

In this research, 200 pet owners and non-pet owners were studied to ascertain the effects of owning a pet on the self-esteem and self-efficacy of the pet owners. All the respondents completed self-reported questionnaires. While the results showed no significant differences, it was noted that there was a tendency for people with pets to generally have slightly higher self-esteem and self-efficacy as compared to people without pets. The study also showed that higher self-esteem contributed towards predicting higher self-efficacy

Reactor Analysis of Chemical Vapor Deposition of Titanium Dioxide and Copper Thin Films.

A set of reactor models for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of titanium dioxide films from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in a vertical cold-wall CVD reactor has been developed. The effects of the carrier gas on the deposition of TiO\sb2 films were examined. The reaction mechanism proposed by the earlier workers in our group was used for the reactor modeling (Siefering and Griffin, 1990a; 1990b). The kinetic parameters were estimated from the reactor models at three levels of approximation; i.e., a lumped parameter (LP) model, a one-dimensional stagnation point flow reactor (1-D SPFR) model, and a full 2-D SPFR model. The 2-D SPFR modeling equations were solved using a control volume based finite difference method (SIMPLE). Based on the 2-D SPFR model, a more accurate activation energy for gas phase reaction was estimated to be 55 kJ/mole. I showed that 1-D SPFR model provided a good agreement with the 2-D SPFR model with our reactor geometry. The relationship between the carrier gas and pure TTIP experiments was explained by the collision theory. Copper films with low resistivity have been deposited from copper(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (Cu(hfac)\sb2) diluted by H\sb2 in a horizontal warm-wall CVD reactor. The effects of substrate temperature and hydrogen pressure on the growth rate of Cu film were examined. A transport controlled engine was observed at substrate temperature of 350\sp\circC and H\sb2 pressures above 300 Torr. On the other hand, a reaction controlled regime was observed at the substrate temperature of 250\sp\circC and low H\sb2 pressure. A 2-D horizontal flow reactor model was developed to describe the temperature and concentration gradients. First, I calculated the surface concentration profiles by matching the measured growth rates with a power rate expression. Using the predicted surface concentration profiles, I proposed a non-competitive adsorption reaction mechanism to give a more physically realistic rate expression. Kinetic parameters were estimated based on both theory and measured results

HONG KONG TEACHERS’ ENGLISH ORAL INPUT IN KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS

Oral input has long been recognised as a key factor influencing second language acquisition in early childhood. Children rely heavily on oral input to learn new words and develop phonological awareness of a language. However, in the context of English teaching in Hong Kong kindergartens — which feature diversity in language use in the classroom — little work has been done on the oral input given to children. This study examined the English oral input of teachers in Hong Kong kindergarten classrooms. It investigated the amount and features of teachers’ English oral input, and how the input affected the conditions for English language learning. Classroom observations were conducted monthly for three months with one native speaking (NS) and two non-native speaking (NNS) kindergarten teachers together with a total of 44 Chinese-speaking children. The research used the Oral Input Quality Observation Scheme developed for systematically collecting oral input and output data from the teachers and children respectively. The results show that the learning activities did not seem to be hindered by the different pronunciations of the NS and NNS teachers. However, the NS teacher tended to use a broader variety of vocabulary and a richer amount of English than the NNS teachers. Both the NS and NNS teachers demonstrated limitations in pedagogical skills in teaching the children English pronunciation. The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the context of English teaching in Hong Kong kindergartens

Treatments of chicken feather waste

Feather waste is a potential renewable source to recover valuable products because it is being a rich source of keratin proteins and amino acids. It can be used to make feather meal, fertilizer and yarn sizing agent. Various treatments have been used to recover the protein from chicken feathers as the keratinous feathers cannot be easily degraded due to its tough structure. This paper reviews the existing treatment methods used to hydrolyze chicken feathers. The treatment methods for feather hydrolysis such as physical, chemical, biological and combined treatments as well as their advantages and challenges are highlighted. The effects of these treatments on feather hydrolysis are complex and vary in regards to the performance of feather hydrolysis and product yielded. Hence, it is important to choose an appropriate treatment method since the type of treatment applied affects the product yielded qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition, the economic assessment and environmental impact of the choice of treatment should be considered also