Optimal Scaling of a Gradient Method for Distributed Resource Allocation

We consider a class of weighted gradient methods for distributed resource allocation over a network. Each node of the network is associated with a local variable and a convex cost function; the sum of the variables (resources) across the network is fixed. Starting with a feasible allocation, each node updates its local variable in proportion to the differences between the marginal costs of itself and its neighbors. We focus on how to choose the proportional weights on the edges (scaling factors for the gradient method) to make this distributed algorithm converge and on how to make the convergence as fast as possible. We give sufficient conditions on the edge weights for the algorithm to converge monotonically to the optimal solution; these conditions have the form of a linear matrix inequality. We give some simple, explicit methods to choose the weights that satisfy these conditions. We derive a guaranteed convergence rate for the algorithm and find the weights that minimize this rate by solving a semidefinite program. Finally, we extend the main results to problems with general equality constraints and problems with block separable objective function

Dynamical spin-spin coupling of quantum dots

We carried out a nested Schrieffer-Wolff transformation of an Anderson two-impurity Hamiltonian to study the spin-spin coupling between two dynamical quantum dots under the influence of rotating transverse magnetic field. As a result of the rotating field, we predict a novel Ising type spin-spin coupling mechanism between quantum dots, whose strength is tunable via the magnitude of the rotating field. The strength of the new coupling could be comparable to the strength of the RKKY coupling. The dynamical coupling with the intristic RKKY coupling enables to construct a four level system of maximally entangled Bell states in a controllable manner

A Robust Image Hashing Algorithm Resistant Against Geometrical Attacks

This paper proposes a robust image hashing method which is robust against common image processing attacks and geometric distortion attacks. In order to resist against geometric attacks, the log-polar mapping (LPM) and contourlet transform are employed to obtain the low frequency sub-band image. Then the sub-band image is divided into some non-overlapping blocks, and low and middle frequency coefficients are selected from each block after discrete cosine transform. The singular value decomposition (SVD) is applied in each block to obtain the first digit of the maximum singular value. Finally, the features are scrambled and quantized as the safe hash bits. Experimental results show that the algorithm is not only resistant against common image processing attacks and geometric distortion attacks, but also discriminative to content changes

Linear complementarity problems on extended second order cones

In this paper, we study the linear complementarity problems on extended second order cones. We convert a linear complementarity problem on an extended second order cone into a mixed complementarity problem on the non-negative orthant. We state necessary and sufficient conditions for a point to be a solution of the converted problem. We also present solution strategies for this problem, such as the Newton method and Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Finally, we present some numerical examples

Maximum length sequence and Bessel diffusers using active technologies

Active technologies can enable room acoustic diffusers to operate over a wider bandwidth than passive devices, by extending the bass response. Active impedance control can be used to generate surface impedance distributions which cause wavefront dispersion, as opposed to the more normal absorptive or pressure-cancelling target functions. This paper details the development of two new types of active diffusers which are difficult, if not impossible, to make as passive wide-band structures. The first type is a maximum length sequence diffuser where the well depths are designed to be frequency dependent to avoid the critical frequencies present in the passive device, and so achieve performance over a finite-bandwidth. The second is a Bessel diffuser, which exploits concepts developed for transducer arrays to form a hybrid absorber–diffuser. Details of the designs are given, and measurements of scattering and impedance used to show that the active diffusers are operating correctly over a bandwidth of about 100 Hz to 1.1 kHz. Boundary element method simulation is used to show how more application-realistic arrays of these devices would behave

Many-body spin Berry phases emerging from the π\pi-flux state: antiferromagnetic/valence-bond-solid competition

We uncover new topology-related features of the $\pi$-flux saddle-point solution of the $D$=2+1 Heisenberg antiferromagnet. We note that symmetries of the spinons sustain a built-in competition between antiferromagnetic (AF) and valence-bond-solid (VBS) orders, the two tendencies central to recent developments on quantum criticality. An effective theory containing an analogue of the Wess-Zumino-Witten term is derived, which generates quantum phases related to AF monopoles with VBS cores, and reproduces Haldane's hedgehog Berry phases. The theory readily generalizes to $\pi$-flux states for all $D$.Comment: 4 pages, revise

Molecular and Biological Characterization of a Cryptosporidium molnari-Like Isolate from a Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Histological, morphological, genetic, and phylogenetic analyses of a Cryptosporidium molnari-like isolate from a guppy (Poecilia reticulata) identified stages consistent with those of C. molnari and revealed that C. molnari is genetically very distinct from all other species of Cryptosporidium. This study represents the first genetic characterization of C. molnari

Active diffusers : some prototypes and 2D measurements

Diffusing devices are used to improve room acoustics in a wide variety of applications. The dispersion generated by current diffuser technologies is often limited to mid-to-high frequencies because low-frequency diffusers are usually too large to be easily accommodated. To extend the bandwidth of diffusers to a lower frequency a new approach is proposed, that is to use active control technology. In particular, active impedance techniques have been exploited to create non-absorbing diffusers, and hybrid structures that partly absorb while dispersing any reflected sound. This paper presents results mostly from a feedforward structure. It is found that achieving active dispersion without absorption other a worthwhile bandwidth can be more difficult than achieving active absorption due to the more complex target impedance that the controller needs to learn. Measurements on polar responses provide evidence that the active diffusers can achieve wider bandwidth dispersion. Boundary element modelling has enabled the design of these structures to be examined in more application-realistic set-ups