A Novel Fuzzy Logic Based Adaptive Supertwisting Sliding Mode Control Algorithm for Dynamic Uncertain Systems

This paper presents a novel fuzzy logic based Adaptive Super-twisting Sliding Mode Controller for the control of dynamic uncertain systems. The proposed controller combines the advantages of Second order Sliding Mode Control, Fuzzy Logic Control and Adaptive Control. The reaching conditions, stability and robustness of the system with the proposed controller are guaranteed. In addition, the proposed controller is well suited for simple design and implementation. The effectiveness of the proposed controller over the first order Sliding Mode Fuzzy Logic controller is illustrated by Matlab based simulations performed on a DC-DC Buck converter. Based on this comparison, the proposed controller is shown to obtain the desired transient response without causing chattering and error under steady-state conditions. The proposed controller is able to give robust performance in terms of rejection to input voltage variations and load variations.Comment: 14 page

Zero-tillage Technology and Farm Profits: A Case Study of Wheat Growers in the Rice Zone of Punjab

The rice-wheat cropping zone of Punjab is the main producer of high-valued and fine quality basmati rice in Pakistan. The rice produced in this area is famous for its grain length and aromatic characteristics. Being an important export item, rice contributes significantly to the national foreign exchange earnings. Wheat is the other major crop of the rice-wheat system and being the staple food is central to national agricultural policies. Rice is grown on a vast area in this zone during Kharif mostly followed by wheat in the Rabi season. Studies have shown that a large gap exists between the potential and yields actually realised by the wheat growers of the area [Byerlee, et al. (1984); Hobbs (1985) and Sheikh, et al. (2000)]. Farmers’ practices regarding land preparation for paddy, wheat planting time, and other conflicts endogenous to the rice-wheat based cropping system were identified as the major factors limiting wheat yield in the area. The flooded and puddled soils that are well suited for paddy production as compared to well-drained conditions required for wheat is such an example of the system conflicts. The farmers in the rice-wheat zone of the Punjab predominantly grow basmati varieties, which are late maturing as compared to coarse varieties of rice. Therefore, paddy harvest is generally delayed at most of the farms in this zone. The late paddy harvest coupled with poor soil structure and loose plant residues create problems for preparation of a good seedbed and planting of wheat often gets late [Byerlee, et al. (1984)]. The farmers also had to resort to the broadcast method for wheat sowing which results in poor and patchy plant stands.

Conventional Entropy Quantifier and Modified Entropy Quantifiers for Face Recognition

AbstractThis paper presents theoretically simple, yet computationally efficient approach for face recognition. There are many transforms and entropy measures used in face recognition technology. Recognition rate is poor with binary and edge based recognition techniques. We employ the entropy concept to binary and edge images. We use Conventional Entropy Quantifier (CEQ) which counts only the transitions, and Modified Entropy Quantifier (MEQ) which considers the positions with transitions for measuring the entropy. The proposed entropy features possess good texture discriminative property. The experiments are conducted on benchmark databases using SVM and K-NN classifiers. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our system

DESIGN OF DUAL ROTOR AXIAL FLUX PERMANENT MAGNET GENERATORS WITH FERRITE AND RARE-EARTH MAGNETS

This article addresses dual rotor axial flux Ferrite permanent magnet (PM)  generator,  as an alternative to a surface mounted and  spoke types Nd-Fe-B generator which have concentrated windings. The performance parameters of all generators, particularly the efficiency, are identical. The design objective function is the generators mass minimization using a population-based algorithm. To predict the performance of yhe generators a finite element (FE) technique is applied. Besides, the aims of the design include minimizing cogging torque, examining different rotor pole topologies and different pole arc to pole pitch ratios. Three-dimensional FE technique is employed. It is shown that the surface mounted Ferrite generator topology cannot develop the rated torque and also has high torque ripple. In addition, it is heavier than the spoke type generator. Furthermore, it is indicated that the spoke type Ferrite PM generator has favorable performance and could be an alternative to rare-earth PM generators, particularly in wind energy applications. Finally, the performance of the designed generators is experimentally verified

Role Space, Organizational Commitment and Perception about the Organization among Retail/Sales Professionals in Saudi Arabia

This study examines the relationship between role space and organizational commitment among the sales professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the study also examines the relationship between organizational commitment and employee perception about the organization they work for. The data were obtained from 148 sales and retail professionals. The gathered data were then analyzed by using suitable statistical tools. The results demonstrate that role space is significantly and negatively related to overall commitment among the selected respondents. Employee perception of the organization is found significantly positively related to affective commitment, normative commitment, and overall commitment. Regression analysis indicates that the change in overall OC is explained by 43.5% resulting from a change in the selected independent variables

Now is the time for radical action on racial health inequalities

A new report by the NHS Race and Health Observatory makes robust recommendations—we must act on them, write Mohammad S Razai and colleagues

Strategi Humas Kementerian Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Dalam Pengelolaan Jejaring Sosial

One Way Communication occurring at an institution the government should be changed into two way communication through media. Cooperative and Small Medium Enterprises Ministry Republic of Indonesia use social media as a means of the spread of information to interested parties. This research using the Media Richness Theory and uses Qualitative Case Study method by lifting cases of management media network happening in the society in the Division of Public Relations Cooperative and Small Medium Enterprises Republics Indonesia that has not yet been optimized. The research also use constructivism who regards paradigm of the solution of the problems faced by a solution .These are data to research for participating states in the form of observation internships and also with interviews with key informants , which are then data was compared with each other using a source of triangulation.The result of this research shows the important things can support of the effectiveness of the social media optimizations at Cooperative Small Medium Enterprises Ministry Republic of Indonesia such as management of information signs, feedback, focus development and language use. Komunikasi satu arah yang terjadi pada institusi pemerintah harus diubah menjadi komunikasi dua arah melalui media. Kementerian Koperasi dan UKM Republik Indonesia menggunakan media sosial sebagai sarana penyebaran informasi kepada pihak yang berkepentingan. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori kekayaan media dan menggunakan metode penelitian studi kasus kualitatif dengan mengangkat kasus berupa pengelolaan jejaring media sosial yang terjadi di Divisi Hubungan Masyarakat Kementerian Koperasi dan UKM Republik Indonesia. Penelitian ini juga menggunakan paradigma konstruktivisme. Pada penelitian ini data didapatkan melalui observasi partisipan berupa kegiatan magang dan wawancara dengan key informant, kemudian data tersebut dibandingkan satu sama lain menggunakan triangulasi sumber. Hasil yang didapat dalam penelitian ini menggambarkan bahwa pentingnya beberapa aspek yang mampu meningkatkan pengelolaan jejaring media sosial di Kementerian Koperasi dan UKM Republik Indonesia yang baik seperti pengelolaan tanda informasi, umpan balik, pengembangan fokus dan juga pemanfaatan bahasa