Application of Laguerre based adaptive predictive control to Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators

This paper discusses the use of an existing adaptive predictive controller to control some Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) linear actuators. The model consists in a truncated linear combination of Laguerre filters identified online. The controller stability is studied in details. It is proven that the tracking error is asymptotically stable under some conditions on the modelling error. Moreover, the tracking error converge toward zero for step references, even if the identified model is inaccurate. Experimentalcresults obtained on two different kind of actuator validate the proposed control. They also show that it is robust with regard to input constraints.ANR MAFESM

The Structure of Exoplanets

The hundreds of exoplanets that have been discovered in the past two decades offer a new perspective on planetary structure. Instead of being the archetypal examples of planets, those of our Solar System are merely possible outcomes of planetary system formation and evolution, and conceivably not even terribly common outcomes (although this remains an open question). Here, we review the diverse range of interior structures that are known to, and speculated to, exist in exoplanetary systems -- from mostly degenerate objects that are more than 10 times as massive as Jupiter, to intermediate-mass Neptune-like objects with large cores and moderate hydrogen/helium envelopes, to rocky objects with roughly the mass of the Earth.Comment: To be published in PNAS special issue on exoplanets. 6 pages, 3 figure

The Hydraulic Jump in Liquid Helium

We present the results of some experiments on the circular hydraulic jump in normal and superfluid liquid helium. The radius of the jump and the depth of the liquid outside the jump are measured through optical means. Although the scale of the apparatus is rather small, the location of the jump is found to be consistent with the assumption that the jump can be treated as a shock, if the surface tension is taken into account. The radius of the jump does not change when going down in temperature through the lambda point; we think that the flow is supercritical. A remarkable feature of the experiment is the observation of stationary ripples within the jump when the liquid is superfluid.Comment: Submitted to the proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Low Temperature Physics. 2 figure

Influence properties of partial squares regression.

In this paper, we compute the influence function for partial least squares regression. Thereunto, we design two alternative algorithms, according to the PLS algorithm used. One algorithm for the computation of the influence function is based on the Helland PLS algorithm, whilst the other is compatible with SIMPLS.The calculation of the influence function leads to new influence diagnostic plots for PLS. An alternative to the well known Cook distance plot is proposed, as well as a variant which is sample specific.Moreover, a novel estimate of prediction variance is deduced. The validity of the latter is corroborated by dint of a Monte Carlo simulation.Influence function; Design; Algorithms; Simulation;

A novel, nondestructive, dried blood spot-based hematocrit prediction method using noncontact diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling is recognized as a valuable alternative sampling strategy both in research and in clinical routine. Although many advantages are associated with DBS sampling, its more widespread use is hampered by several issues, of which the hematocrit effect on DBS-based quantitation remains undoubtedly the most widely discussed one. Previously, we developed a method to derive the approximate hematocrit from a nonvolumetrically applied DBS based on its potassium content. Although this method yielded good results and was straightforward to perform, it was also destructive and required sample preparation. Therefore, we now developed a nondestructive method which allows to predict the hematocrit of a DBS based on its hemoglobin content, measured via noncontact diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The developed method was thoroughly validated. A linear calibration curve was established after log/log transformation. The bias, intraday and interday imprecision of quality controls at three hematocrit levels and at the lower and upper limit of quantitation (0.20 and 0.67, respectively) were less than 11%. In addition, the influence of storage and the volume spotted was evaluated, as well as DBS homogeneity. Application of the method to venous DBSs prepared from whole blood patient samples (n = 233) revealed a good correlation between the actual and the predicted hematocrit. Limits of agreement obtained after Bland and Altman analysis were -0.076 and. +0.018. Incurred sample reanalysis demonstrated good method reproducibility. In conclusion, mere scanning of a DBS suffices to derive its approximate hematocrit, one of the most important variables in DBS analysis

The multivariate least trimmed squares estimator.

In this paper we introduce the least trimmed squares estimator for multivariate regression. We give three equivalent formulations of the estimator and obtain its breakdown point. A fast algorithm for its computation is proposed. We prove Fisher-consistency at the multivariate regression model with elliptically symmetric error distribution and derive the influence function. Simulations investigate the finite-sample efficiency and robustness of the estimator. To increase the efficiency of the estimator, we also consider a one-step reweighted version, as well as multivariate generalizations of one-step GM-estimators.Model; Data; Distribution; Simulation;

Multivariate generalized S-estimators.

In this paper we introduce generalized S-estimators for the multivariate regression model. This class of estimators combines high robustness and high efficiency. They are defined by minimizing the determinant of a robust estimator of the scatter matrix of differences of residuals. In the special case of a multivariate location model, the generalized S-estimator has the important independency property, and can be used for high breakdown estimation in independent component analysis. Robustness properties of the estimators are investigated by deriving their breakdown point and the influence function. We also study the efficiency of the estimators, both a symptotically and a finite samples. To obtain inference for the regression parameters, we discuss the fast and robust boot strap for multivariate generalized S-estimators. The method is illustrated on several real data examples.bootstrap; efficiency; multivariate regression; robustness;

Trinification, the Hierarchy Problem and Inverse Seesaw Neutrino Masses

In minimal trinification models light neutrino masses can be generated via a radiative see-saw mechanism, where the masses of the right-handed neutrinos originate from loops involving Higgs and fermion fields at the unification scale. This mechanism is absent in models aiming at solving or ameliorating the hierarchy problem, such as low-energy supersymmetry, since the large seesaw-scale disappears. In this case, neutrino masses need to be generated via a TeV-scale mechanism. In this paper, we investigate an inverse seesaw mechanism and discuss some phenomenological consequences.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figure

Scaling and tuning of EW and Higgs observables

We study deformations of the SM via higher dimensional operators. In particular, we explicitly calculate the one-loop anomalous dimension matrix for 13 bosonic dimension-6 operators relevant for electroweak and Higgs physics. These scaling equations allow us to derive RG-induced bounds, stronger than the direct constraints, on a universal shift of the Higgs couplings and some anomalous triple gauge couplings by assuming no tuning at the scale of new physics, i.e. by requiring that their individual contributions to the running of other severely constrained observables, like the electroweak oblique parameters or $\Gamma(h \rightarrow \gamma\gamma)$, do not exceed their experimental direct bounds. We also study operators involving the Higgs and gluon fields.Comment: v2: 41 pages, 12 tables, 4 figures. Plots of the RG-induced bounds from S and T added, presentation of our approach in sections 2 and 4 improved, a few typos fixed, references added, conclusions and analysis unchanged. Version to appear in JHE