Design of global positioning system (GPS) networks using different artificial intelligence techniques

The selection of optimal GPS baselines can be realized by solving the geodetic second-order design (SOD) problem. Basically, there are two techniques to be used for selecting optimal baselines in GPS network, namely traditional techniques and artificial techniques. Traditional techniques include the method of trial and error and the analytical method, while artificial methods include both local and global optimization techniques. The global optimization techniques, such as Genetic Algorithms (GAs), Simulated Annealing (SA) method, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Algorithm, and Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA) have been used recently in geodesy. In the current study, (BOA) has been used for the selection of the optimal GPS baselines to be measured in the field that will meet the postulated criterion matrix, at a reasonable cost. Ithas been tasted on a GPS network. The BOA is already designed and it determined the number of baselines that would be observed due to obtaining high accuracy. The results showed that the BOA method was more efficient than the traditional ones by 19.2%. It was better than the artificial methods in terms of length. Asit enhanced (SA) method by 21.7% and (PSO) method by 4.6% . Consequently, the use of the BOA is proven to be more effective and applicable.

A Priori Estimation of Potential Degeneration of Continuous Multichannel Dynamic Systems

The problem of a priory control of potential degeneration of continuous multichannel dynamic systems is considered in the paper. Degeneracy is a property of a system describing operability of a multichannel dynamic system together with the basic properties of stability, reliability and invariance to the changing conditions. An assessment of potential generation of a system and its configuration together with the interconnections and polynomial exogenous signal is proposed. Degeneration process of a multichannel dynamic systems is a process of the rank reducing of the linear operator of the system. This statement is a basic concept of the degeneration factors approach. Algebraic properties of the matrix of the system’s operator is considered, and the matrix is named as the criterion matrix. Degeneration factor is calculated with the singular values of the criterion matrix. The global degeneration factor is conditional number of the criterion matrix of a system. In contrast to previous solutions it is proposed to form the criterion matrix of a system with the resolvent of its state matrix. Deparameterization of the linear algebraic problem is realized by additive decomposition of the output vector of the system by derivatives of the exogenous signal, and the steady-state mode of the system is considered. The procedure of a priori estimation of degeneration of continuous multichannel dynamic systems is proposed. The ways to achieve the required value of degeneration of the criterion matrix of the system with the modal control methods are discussed. The paper is supported with examples.

A Priori Estimation of Potential Degeneration of Continuous Multichannel Dynamic Systems

The problem of a priory control of potential degeneration of continuous multichannel dynamic systems is considered in the paper. Degeneracy is a property of a system describing operability of a multichannel dynamic system together with the basic properties of stability, reliability and invariance to the changing conditions. An assessment of potential generation of a system and its configuration together with the interconnections and polynomial exogenous signal is proposed. Degeneration process of a multichannel dynamic systems is a process of the rank reducing of the linear operator of the system. This statement is a basic concept of the degeneration factors approach. Algebraic properties of the matrix of the system’s operator is considered, and the matrix is named as the criterion matrix. Degeneration factor is calculated with the singular values of the criterion matrix. The global degeneration factor is conditional number of the criterion matrix of a system. In contrast to previous solutions it is proposed to form the criterion matrix of a system with the resolvent of its state matrix. Deparameterization of the linear algebraic problem is realized by additive decomposition of the output vector of the system by derivatives of the exogenous signal, and the steady-state mode of the system is considered. The procedure of a priori estimation of degeneration of continuous multichannel dynamic systems is proposed. The ways to achieve the required value of degeneration of the criterion matrix of the system with the modal control methods are discussed. The paper is supported with examples.

Multi-criterion analysis based on integrated process-risk optimization

Purpose This paper aims to propose a process optimization approach showing how organizations are able to achieve sustainable and efficient process optimization, based on integrated process-risk analysis using several criteria to a better decision-making. Design/methodology/approach Several approaches are used (functional/dysfunctional) to analyze how processes work and how to deal with risks forming multi-criteria decision-making. In addition, a risk factor is integrated into the structured analysis and design techniques (SADT) method forming a novel graphical view SADT-RISK; it identifies process’s failures using the traditional failure modes, effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) and economic consideration “failure mode and effect, criticality analysis-cost FMECA-C” making a multi-criterion matrix for better decision-making. Subsequently, some recommendations are proposed to overcome the failure. Findings This paper illustrates a methodology with a case study in a company, which has a leading brand in the market in Algeria. The authors are integrating a varied portfolio of approaches linking with each other to analyze, improve and optimize the processes in terms of reliability and safety to deal with risks; reduce the complexity of the systems; increase the performance; and achieve a safer process. However, the proposed method can be readily used in practice. Originality/value The paper provides a new approach based on integrated management using new elements as an innovative contribution, forming a novel graphical view SADT-RISK; it identifies process’s failures using the traditional FMECA and economic consideration “a new multi-criterion matrix for better decision-making and using the SWOT analysis – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats – as a balance to decide about the process improvement”. The authors conclude that this methodology is oriented and applicable to different types of companies such as financial, health and industrial as illustrated by this case study.

Iterative criterion of the descriptor system asymptotic steadiness

An iterative criterion for the asymptotic steadiness of a linear descriptor system is considered. The criterion is based on an iterative algorithm for computing a generalized matrix sign-function. As an example, the problem of analyzing the asymptotic steadiness of a large descriptor system is given. Keywords linear descriptor system; steadiness criterion; matrix sign-function; search algorithm

Profilometric Quantification of Erosive Tissue Loss in Dentine: A Systematic Evaluation of the Method

Profilometry is established in erosion research. However, in the case of dentine, factors such as the demineralised organic matrix, desiccation effects, or type of measuring device may have an impact on the measurement results, which were investigated in the present study. Dentine specimens were eroded with citric acid (1%, pH 2.6) for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min (n = 15 each). For each specimen, tissue loss was determined under various conditions - before/after enzymatic matrix removal, under standardised wet and desiccated (2/10 min) conditions - with non-contact and contact profilometry. In the presence of matrix, under wet conditions, non-contact profilometry revealed almost no tissue loss. Values (mean ± SD) ranged between 0.3 ± 0.7 µm (5 min) and 3.4 ± 1.5 µm (120 min). Contact profilometry increased values significantly (range: 2.9 ± 1.1 to 30.6 ± 5.8 µm). Desiccation (2 min) significantly increased values, except for 5 min of demineralisation, for non-contact profilometry (range: 0.8 ± 1.3 to 22.1 ± 5.5 µm), and decreased values for contact profilometry up to 15 min and increased them as from 90 min (range: 0.9 ± 1.2 to 33.0 ± 5.5 µm); results after 10 min of desiccation were comparable. After the removal of matrix, under wet conditions, values were distinctly higher (non-contact: 3.5 ± 0.8-55.5 ± 7.4 µm; contact: 4.2 ± 1.3-57.8 ± 8.1 µm). Desiccation (10 min) lowered values by about 2-5 µm due to specimen deformation. Bland-Altman comparisons of various outcomes revealed distinct significant proportional and relative biases. Loss of mineralised tissue cannot be adequately quantified in the presence of matrix. Desiccation leads to matrix shrinkage and specimen deformation. Most importantly, tissue loss values obtained in the presence or absence of matrix are not proportional. Therefore, if mineral status is the target criterion, matrix removal and moisture control are prerequisites.

Design, Implementation and Preliminary Evaluation of a Telemedicine System for Home Haemodialysis

A telemedicine system for home haemodialysis was designed using a systems approach and a feedback model to produce the hardware and software specifications. Preliminary clinical trials at four European locations involved 29 patients and 305 sessions of haemodialysis. The evaluation included an evaluability assessment and formative evaluation. Central to the methodology was the detailed specification of a stakeholder/evaluation criterion matrix. Preliminary results indicated that the telemedicine system was capable of satisfying the requirements of formative evaluation as a precursor to evaluating its overall worth.