Robust H∞ performance analysis for uncertain discrete‐time singular systems with time‐varying delays

This paper considers the problem of robust H∞ performance analysis for uncertain discrete‐time singular systems with time‐varying delays. Firstly, a delay‐dependent stability criterion under the H∞ performance index for the systems is given based on constructing a generalized Lyapunov–Krasovskii function and introducing a new difference inequality. Then, a sufficient condition ensuing the system to be regular, causal as well as stable for all admissible uncertainties is proposed in terms of a set of strict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, we provide examples to show the reduced conservatism and effectiveness of the proposed conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Consistent Forcing Scheme in the Simplified Lattice Boltzmann Method for Incompressible Flows

Considering the fact that the lattice discrete effects are neglected while introducing a body force into the simplified lattice Boltzmann method (SLBM), we propose a consistent forcing scheme in SLBM for incompressible flows with external forces. The lattice discrete effects are considered at the level of distribution functions in the present forcing scheme. Consequently, it is more accurate compared with the original forcing scheme used in SLBM. Through Taylor series expansion and Chapman-Enskog (CE) expansion analysis, the present forcing scheme can be proven to recover the macroscopic Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations. Then, the macroscopic equations are resolved through a fractional step technique. Furthermore, the material derivative term is discretized by the central difference method. To verify the results of the present scheme, we simulate with multiple forms of external force interactions including the space- and time-dependent body forces. Hence, the present forcing scheme overcomes the disadvantages of the original forcing scheme and the body force can be accurately imposed in the present scheme even when a coarse mesh is applied while the original scheme fails. Excellent agreements between the analytical solutions and our numerical results can be observed.     

Full delayed state feedback pole assignment of discrete‐time time‐delay systems

This paper studies the problem of pole assignment of discrete‐time time delay system with delayed state feedback. The problem is solved in this paper by requiring that the maximal delay in the feedback equals the maximal delay of the open‐loop system. A necessary and sufficient condition guaranteeing the existence of a solution is presented. By using the augmentation technique, the pole assignment problem is then transformed to the problem of solving a linear matrix equation such that certain conditions are satisfied. To solve the linear equation problem, when the desired closed‐loop eigenvalues are not prescribed, a parametric approach using real arithmetic is presented by using polynomial matrices associated with the system matrices. When the desired closed‐loop eigenvalues are prescribed, singular value decomposition can be adopted to solve the linear matrix equation. Both approaches can provide full degree of freedom, which can be further utilized to accomplish some other design objects. The robust pole assignment problem is considered to demonstrate the advantages of the method. Numerical examples are employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Further results on H ∞ control for discrete‐time uncertain singular systems with interval time‐varying delays in state and input

This paper investigates the state feedback robust H _∞ control problem of a class of discrete‐time singular systems with norm‐bounded uncertainties and interval time‐varying delays in state and input. A new bounded real lemma for discrete‐time singular systems with a pair of time‐varying interval state delays is first investigated. Mathematical comparisons of the new bounded real lemma and two existing ones are presented. Then, on the basis of the bounded real lemma proposed here, a sufficient condition in the form of nonlinear matrix inequality, such that the considered state feedback robust H _∞ control problem is solvable, is given. In order to solve the nonlinear matrix inequality, a cone complementarity linearization algorithm is offered. Several numerical examples are presented to show the applicability of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于离散小波变换的多模态医学图像融合改进算法的研究

目的：提出一种改进的离散小波变换算法,并将其用于多模态医学图像融合。方法将源图像经过离散小波变换分解为高频和低频子图像;高频部分采用方向绝对值取大,能有效地保存图像的细节信息,低频部分使用区域能量比融合规则,保存了图像的绝大部分信息;用离散小波逆变换将融合子图像重构成融合图像。结果由3组医学图像融合效果比较可知,该算法在主观视觉效果和客观评价指标方面均优于现存的其他算法。结论该医学图像融合算法快速准确,在噪声环境和临床实例中均表现优越,可以获得较高质量的融合图像,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

基于变半径球的数据压缩

逆向工程中的点云数据压缩正受到越来越多的关注。它是模型重构和配准的基础。点云数据压缩后,可以改善重构以及配准的速度。在保持原始点云形状的基础上,提出了一种数据压缩算法。首先计算每一点处的法向量并且通过相邻点法向量间的关系去除坏点,然后计算每一点的曲度,最后通过移动球检测控制点并且简化点云。实验表明该算法在保持点云几何形状的同时,能够有效地降低点云数量。     

Patient preference for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment inhalers: a discrete choice experiment in France

Objectives: Understanding inhaler preferences may contribute to improving adherence in COPD patients and improving long-term outcomes. This study aims to identify and quantify preferences for convenience-related inhaler attributes in French moderate-to-severe COPD patients, with discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology.

Methods: Attributes were defined from a literature search, clinician and patient interviews: shape, dose insertion, dose preparation, dose release, dose confirmation, dose counter and reusability. An online DCE was conducted in respondents with self-reported COPD stage 2–4 recruited through a panel. The study questionnaire included twelve choice scenarios per respondent and questions on patient characteristics, treatment and disease severity. Statistical analyses used a mixed logit regression model with random effects. Utility scores were estimated for four types of inhalers: Inhaler A – soft mist inhaler; Inhaler B – reusable soft mist inhaler; Inhaler C – multi-dose dry powder inhaler; and Inhaler D – single dose dry powder inhaler.

Results: The study was completed by 153 patients (50 females); respondents were 50.4?years old on average; 13 different inhaler devices were reported. The most preferred inhaler is L-shaped, has dose preparation with capsule insertion and a dose counter, and is reusable. Inhaler profiles A and B had the highest utilities (mean of 1.2533 and 0.9578 respectively) compared to inhaler C (0.6315) and D (0.2200).

Conclusions: This study showed statistically significant results that the strongest drivers of preference in French users of inhalation devices for COPD are shape, dose counter and reusability. Convenience-related characteristics are important to patients and should be taken into account by clinicians prescribing these devices.     

Evaluation of an antipsychotic information sheet for patients

Introduction. The objective of this study was to develop a decision aid that patients and clinicians might use to help the patient in the process of selecting an antipsychotic medication. In addition, we aimed to determine the antipsychotic that patients would choose given the information contained in the leaflet. Method. We designed a questionnaire for patients to appraise the contents of the leaflet, their understanding of the leaflet and the potential impact of the leaflet on compliance and therapeutic relationship between patient and doctor. Results. We recruited 30 stable patients with a diagnosis of a psychotic illness to evaluate the leaflet and to determine patient choice. Over 90% of patients felt that the leaflet improved their knowledge of antipsychotic medication. Seventy-six percent of patients agreed that the leaflet contained the right type and amount of information. Seventy percent of respondents believed the leaflet would improve the trust between them and their doctors, and almost half (47%) stated they were more likely to take their medicine after reading the leaflet. Forty percent of patients would prefer to switch antipsychotic medication, with quetiapine being the most frequently preferred option. Conclusion. The results indicate that, for patients in the stable phase of their illness, the leaflet is a useful tool in selecting an antipsychotic medication and may represent a way forward in improving outcomes in patients with psychotic disorders. A larger study examining outcomes using this tool would establish its clinical utility.     

Cross‐link stabilization does not affect the response of collagen molecules,fibrils, or tendons to tensile overload

We investigated whether immature allysine‐derived cross‐links provide mechanically labile linkages by exploring the effects of immature cross‐link stabilization at three levels of collagen hierarchy: damaged fibril morphology, whole tendon mechanics, and molecular stability. Tendons from the tails of young adult steers were either treated with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) to stabilize labile cross‐links, exposed only to the buffer used during stabilization treatment, or maintained as untreated controls. One‐half of each tendon was then subjected to five cycles of subrupture overload. Morphologic changes to collagen fibrils resulting from overload were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, and changes in the hydrothermal stability of collagen molecules were assessed using hydrothermal isometric tension testing. NaBH₄ cross‐link stabilization did not affect the response of tendon collagen to tensile overload at any of the three levels of hierarchy studied. Cross‐link stabilization did not prevent the characteristic overload‐induced mode of fibril damage that we term discrete plasticity. Similarly, stabilization did not alter the mechanical response of whole tendons to overload, and did not prevent an overload‐induced thermal destabilization of collagen molecules. Our results indicate that hydrothermally labile cross‐links may not be as mechanically labile as was previously thought. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1907–1913, 2013