Constrained Controllability of Fractional Dynamical Systems

The article deals with the controllability results for fractional dynamical systems with prescribed controls represented by the fractional integrodifferential equation in finite dimensional spaces. Sufficient conditions for the controllability results of nonlinear fractional dynamical systems are obtained using the contraction mapping principle. Examples are included to illustrate the theory.     

The Möbius function of separable and decomposable permutations

We give a recursive formula for the Möbius function of an interval [σ,π] in the poset of permutations ordered by pattern containment in the case where π is a decomposable permutation, that is, consists of two blocks where the first one contains all the letters 1,2,…,k for some k. This leads to many special cases of more explicit formulas. It also gives rise to a computationally efficient formula for the Möbius function in the case where σ and π are separable permutations. A permutation is separable if it can be generated from the permutation 1 by successive sums and skew sums or, equivalently, if it avoids the patterns 2413 and 3142.We also show that the Möbius function in the poset of separable permutations admits a combinatorial interpretation in terms of normal embeddings among permutations. A consequence of this interpretation is that the Möbius function of an interval [σ,π] of separable permutations is bounded by the number of occurrences of σ as a pattern in π. Another consequence is that for any separable permutation π the Möbius function of (1,π) is either 0, 1 or −1.     

On the threshold dividend strategy for a generalized jump-diffusion risk model

In this paper, we generalize the Cramér-Lundberg risk model perturbed by diffusion to incorporate jumps due to surplus fluctuation and to relax the positive loading condition. Assuming that the surplus process has exponential upward and arbitrary downward jumps, we analyze the expected discounted penalty (EDP) function of Gerber and Shiu (1998) under the threshold dividend strategy. An integral equation for the EDP function is derived using the Wiener-Hopf factorization. As a result, an explicit analytical expression is obtained for the EDP function by solving the integral equation. Finally, phase-type downward jumps are considered and a matrix representation of the EDP function is presented.     

New generalized Jacobi elliptic function rational expansion method

In this work, a new generalized Jacobi elliptic function rational expansion method is based upon twenty-four Jacobi elliptic functions and eight double periodic Weierstrass elliptic functions, which solve the elliptic equation ?^′2=r+p?²+q?⁴, is described. As a consequence abundant new Jacobi-Weierstrass double periodic elliptic functions solutions for (3+1)-dimensional Kadmtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation are obtained by using this method. We show that the new method can be also used to solve other nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) in mathematical physics.     

Product design and selection using fuzzy QFD and fuzzy MCDM approaches

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a useful analyzing tool in product design and development. To solve the uncertainty or imprecision in QFD, numerous researchers have applied the fuzzy set theory to QFD and developed various fuzzy QFD models. Three issues are investigated by examining their models. First, the extant studies focused on identifying important engineering characteristics and seldom explored the subsequent prototype product selection issue. Secondly, the previous studies usually use fuzzy number algebraic operations to calculate the fuzzy sets in QFD. This approach may cause a great deviation in the result from the correct value. Thirdly, few studies have paid attention to the competitive analysis in QFD. However, it can provide product developers with a large amount of valuable information. Aimed at these three issues, this study integrates fuzzy QFD and the prototype product selection model to develop a product design and selection (PDS) approach. In fuzzy QFD, the α-cut operation is adopted to calculate the fuzzy set of each component. Competitive analysis and the correlations among engineering characteristics are also considered. In prototype product selection, engineering characteristics and the factors involved in product development are considered. A fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach is proposed to select the best prototype product. A case study is given to illustrate the research steps for the proposed PDS method. The proposed method provides product developers with more useful information and precise analysis results. Thus, the PDS method can serve as a helpful decision-aid tool in product design.     

Episodic paroxysmal laryngospasm: Voice and pulmonary function assessment and management

Episodic paroxysmal laryngospasm (EPL) is a sign of laryngeal dysfunction, often without a specific organic etiology, which can masquerade as asthma, vocal fold paralysis, or a functional voice disorder. The intermittent respiratory distress of EPL may precipitate an apparent upper airway obstructive emergency, resulting in unnecessary endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or tracheostomy. During 27 months, seven women and three men, ages 30–76 years, were assessed by a high diagnostic index of suspicion, an intensive history including psychosocial factors, physical examination of the airways, provocative asthma testing, and swallowing studies. Videolaryngoscopy, stroboscopy, and pulmonary flow-volume loop testing were definitive. The classic appearance was paradoxic inspiratory adduction of the anterior vocal folds with a posterior diamond-shaped glottic gap. During an attack of stridor or wheezing, attenuation of the inspiratory flow rate as depicted by the flow-volume loop suggested partial extrathoracic upper airway obstruction. Swallowing evaluation by videolaryngoscopy and videoesophagography may uncover gastroesophageal reflux disease. Hallmarks of management include patient and family education by observation of laryngoscopic videos, a specific speech therapy program, psychotherapy, and medical treatment of associated disorders. Electromyography may become a valuable future adjunct. Unlike laryngeal dystonia, patients with EPL do not benefit from botulinum toxin type A.     

Recursion relations for the extended Krylov subspace method

The evaluation of matrix functions of the form f(A)v, where A is a large sparse or structured symmetric matrix, f is a nonlinear function, and v is a vector, is frequently subdivided into two steps: first an orthonormal basis of an extended Krylov subspace of fairly small dimension is determined, and then a projection onto this subspace is evaluated by a method designed for small problems. This paper derives short recursion relations for orthonormal bases of extended Krylov subspaces of the type K^m,mi+1(A)=span{A^-m+1v,…,A^-1v,v,Av,…,A^miv}, m=1,2,3,…, with i a positive integer, and describes applications to the evaluation of matrix functions and the computation of rational Gauss quadrature rules.     

Gamma算子在Orlicz空间L*_Φ(0,∞)中加Jacobi权同时逼近的强逆不等式

讨论由Young函数生成的Orlicz空间L*_Φ(0,∞)的性质,并给出Orlicz空间L*_Φ(0,∞)具有Hardy-Littlewood性质的充要条件,然后借助加Jacobi权修正的K-泛函和加Jacobi权连续模及其等价性建立Gamma算子在Orlicz空间L*_Φ(0,∞)中加权同时逼近的两种强逆不等式.     

The expected discounted penalty function under a renewal risk model with stochastic income

In this paper, we consider a renewal risk model with stochastic premiums income. We assume that the premium number process and the claim number process are a Poisson process and a generalized Erlang (n) processes, respectively. When the individual stochastic premium sizes are exponentially distributed, the Laplace transform and a defective renewal equation for the Gerber-Shiu discounted penalty function are obtained. Furthermore, the discounted joint distribution of the surplus just before ruin and the deficit at ruin is given. When the claim size distributions belong to the rational family, the explicit expression of the Gerber-Shiu discounted penalty function is derived. Finally, a specific example is provided.